High schools go forward with improvements to facilities

By Leigh Ann Maze

Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District Superintendent Cynthia Ranii gave her annual report to the district board of trustees on Aug. 1.

The report focused on the district's three main objectives for the 1999-2000 school year, namely facilities, learning outcomes and creating a continuous improvement process.

Ranii reported that facilities improvement objectives are well underway. Restrooms, heating, ventilation and air- conditioning systems have already been completed at both Los Gatos and Saratoga High Schools. Locker rooms, utilities upgrades and building modernizations are now underway at both schools. At Saratoga High School, new science and library buildings are under construction and at Los Gatos High, a new home economics and science building is under construction.

All of the renovations and expansion at the schools are part of the $79 million Measure B school bond project passed by voters on June 2, 1998, with an 81 percent majority.

"It would be hard to accomplish any more than we already have on facilities," Ranii said.

She was also satisfied with the work the district accomplished this year to create a continuous improvement process to ensure quality instruction and service to all students, staff and parents in a safe and accepting environment.

The district conducted a survey of students, teachers and parents at both high schools to determine areas in which they need improvement. The results, which came back in June, were positive, although they showed room for improvement at the schools.

The district will use the results to improve the schools and as a baseline for future surveys.

At SHS, a pilot survey of graduates was taken in order to gather their comments, suggestions and feedback on how the district could better prepare its students for college and life.

It was the first time SHS has sought the wisdom and advice of its former students, according to SHS principal Kevin Skelly. He is taking the students' comments into consideration and some may be implemented into the curriculum. Skelly said he plans to conduct the survey again in three or four years.

However, Ranii said she was personally disappointed in the progress made this year on the goal to review students' learning outcomes and to assess the effectiveness of curriculum and instruction on students at all levels.

"I think we were a little shy of the target on that one," Ranii said.

DeCinzo

Los Gatos and Saratoga high schools proceed with their facilities improvements

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