What's changing in Silicon Valley schools

Brief, factual updates on closures, openings, and policy changes — with links to alternatives where relevant. Updated when news breaks.

Waymo approved to operate across Silicon Valley — teen rides coming

The California Public Utilities Commission approved Waymo's expansion to Santa Clara County on August 14, 2026 — covering San Jose, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, and Palo Alto. Waymo Teen, already live in Phoenix for ages 14–17 with parent tracking, is expected to come to California. Currently, minors must be 18+ or accompanied by an adult to ride Waymo in California.

San Jose Unified closes 5 elementary schools

The SJUSD board voted March 26, 2026 to close Empire Gardens, Lowell, Gardner, Canoas, and Terrell elementary schools, effective the 2026–27 school year. The district has lost 6,000 students — a 20% drop — since 2017–18. Over 1,000 students are being reassigned to other schools or attendance zones.

This follows earlier closures across the county: Alum Rock Union (6 schools, 2024), Franklin-McKinley (3 schools, 2025), Berryessa Union (3 schools, 2024).

SB 848 — California's new child safety law now in effect for all schools

California's Safe Learning Environments Act (SB 848), signed October 2025, requires all schools — public and private — to check a new misconduct database before hiring, train all staff on recognizing abuse, teach students about grooming, and adopt written boundary policies. Private schools had until July 1, 2026 to have all protocols in place.

Cupertino Union School District appoints new superintendent

CUSD appointed Dr. Jennifer Hawn as new superintendent for the 2026–27 school year. The district serves K–8 across Cupertino and surrounding areas and is one of the higher-performing public school districts in Silicon Valley. Open enrollment for 2026–27 closed June 2026.

IEP families: free school transport is a right most parents never claim

If your child has an active IEP, transportation to and from school can be written in as a related service under IDEA — at no cost to the family. Districts are not required to offer it proactively. Most parents never ask. With school closures displacing students to farther schools, this matters more than ever.

If a school in your area is closing, opening, or changing policy — send us the details. We cover news relevant to Silicon Valley families considering their options.