Dorothy Rouse, LGUSD board member and Los Gatos Planning Commissioner Len Pacheco are two of the 80 participants in the school district's recent dialogue with the community.

LGUSD forum seeks to include the community

By Leigh Ann Maze

Los Gatos schools received top scores for their academics according to the API rankings released Jan. 25, but how do they score when it comes to character? These are some of the questions school administrators, teachers, community members and parents discussed at Fisher Middle School Feb. 3.

The community forum titled, "Education is a Community Affair," ignited discussion on three main topics; character education, facilities and instruction/curriculum. The meeting was the first of its kind between the Los Gatos Union School District and the community, but certainly not the last. "We got a very clear message from the people who attended that we need to followup and continue this dialogue," said Superintendent Mary Ann Park.

Park organized the evening with the help of parents and school administrators. The three-hour discussion was meant to form a closer partnership between the community and schools, to inform the community of the district's programs and issues and to get their responses.

Recently, the district has been looking at how to produce children who not only excel academically, but who are also responsible, compassionate people.

In October 1999, the state Board of Education declared October character education month. Over the summer, the LGUSD sent 15 of its teachers to a week-long camp on ethics in education at Santa Clara University. The teachers have formed a character education task force and are working to bring character education into Los Gatos schools.

The character education discussion, led by director of Student Support Services Jim Yinger, included teachers, students and representatives of Community Against Substance Abuse, the Rotary Club , the Town of Town Chamber of Commerce, Town Council members and others.

The instruction/curriculum group looked at how schools should be preparing students for the 21st century, what role technology should play in education, what students should know when they leave the 8th grade. The discussion was facilitated by LGUSD Assistant Superintendent Suzanne Sanders and included school administrators, students, teachers and representatives from the community, Los Gatos Elementary Education Foundation, Art Docents, Elks Lodge, Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department and Home and School clubs.

Out of the discussion came the idea that staff development and mentorship are crucial. Consistency in curriculum across the board and the need to balance teacher's talents and students' learning styles were also brought up. Fisher Middle School principal Cullen Hewitt reported that his table felt it was important for children to know why education is important and to keep children challenged but not pressured. Lexington School principal Raf Strudley reported his discussion group felt curriculum should be enhanced by technology, but should not be dependent on it.

The facilities group spent much of its time reviewing slides and discussing the effects facilities have on education. Facilitator Linda Latasa, assistant superintendent of business, held discussions with teachers, students, custodians, groundskeepers and representatives of the Planning Commission, Lions Club, LGEEF, League of Women Voters, Board of Trustees, Town Council, Resource Council and the Neighborhood Alliance.

According to Park, the ideas generated at the community forum will be shared with teachers throughout the district and be used to help determine the goals for the 2000-2001 school year.

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