Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Editorials

Communities move to head of the class

It took a long time for Californians to wake up and realize that without adequate funding their schools had nowhere to go but downhill. Between Proposition 13 and other funding changes in the state, schools have deteriorated to the point that no one is shocked any longer to hear that California's spending-per-student ratio is among the lowest in the nation.

When national publications write about the Golden State and the Silicon Valley lifestyle and work ethic, the writers routinely point out parenthetically the paradox of California's wealth and its inadequate funding of education.

The success last week of bond elections throughout the state indicates that even when a two-thirds majority is required, the time comes when communities can no longer ignore what is happening.

Los Gatans realized it long ago, and they responded by passing the parcel tax in 1990. Last week, by an impressive 80 percent margin, voters said they were willing to continue--and increase--their contribution to the Los Gatos Union School District.

In June, it's the high school district's turn to go to the voters for the first time since 1968. With renewal of the parcel tax, the community is halfway home.

Now it's time to turn attention to Los Gatos and Saratoga high schools. Volunteers are already at work letting people in the community know of the need to address the physical condition of the two schools.

In Los Gatos, with the high school and its massive front lawn as the crown jewel of downtown, it's easy to forget that plumbing and ventilation are outdated, roofs leak, restrooms are inadequate and science classrooms don't meet modern needs.

When a volunteer calls to talk about the June 2 bond election, give a listen. Better yet, call campaign co-chairwomen Joan Henricks or Cindy Ruby at 395-9106 and get involved.

Silver Celebration

Twenty-five years ago, a group of Los Gatos women came together to create the Art Docents, a volunteer organization that would bring art history, appreciation and technique into the classroom.

Today, more than 80 volunteers keep art alive and important to Los Gatos schoolchildren.

With the arts in California schools relegated by financial necessity to the category of unaffordable frill years ago, the Art Docents have ensured that students will not leave elementary and middle school with a critical gap in their education.

Art Docents have created a knowledgeable corps of art instructors; even those not well-schooled in art and art history can participate, thanks to a training and apprenticeship program.

The Art Docents mark a milestone this year-- 25 years. Keep up the good work.

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