Saratoga News

Second workshop tackles difficult topic of diversity

Assemblyman Cunneen to make an appearance

By Michelle Alaimo

Saratoga schools are taking the next step in exploring the issues of diversity and tolerance within Saratoga. Assemblyman Jim Cunneen is coming to Saratoga High School on Nov. 13 to address the Saratoga Union School District and Saratoga High School in a panel discussion titled "Coming Together to Build Community."

The discussion, hosted by the SHS Parent-Teacher-Student Association, will take place in the school's cafeteria from 7 to 9 p.m. as a followup to a joint staff work day held on Oct. 20.

"The goal of the PTSA is to increase efforts to improve understanding and acceptance of diversity among parents, students and staff," PTSA board member Jill Hunter said.

The racial composition of Saratoga has been steadily changing over the past few years. SHS Principal Kevin Skelly said there has also been a change in the economic status of Saratogans. Both SHS and the SUSD are coming together and holding workshops and meetings to address issues of tolerance and diversity in light of these demographic changes.

"These are not issues we are going to solve but issues we can better understand," Skelly said.

Skelly, along with Saratoga Mayor Gillian Moran, Redwood Middle School Principal Christopher Farmer and SHS students, will serve on a panel following Cunneen's speech. Hunter hopes to have the panel and students discuss their experiences and what they see happening in Saratoga.

SHS students will then lead small groups on seeking solutions to diversity issues identified at the meeting.

Skelly said the schools are working together and including students of varying ages and teachers to build community-wide awareness about the issue.

"We tried to tie everyone in together because these kids will be coming through the high school, and so will the parents," Skelly said.

The PTSA meeting is the first in what most likely will be a series of meetings and workshops following the joint work day on Oct. 20. At that event, SUSD Superintendent Mary Gardner said, teachers and staff were determined not to let drop this difficult issue--one that can often be an intimidating and uncomfortable subject for many. Gardner added that schools will work with parent groups to inform them of issues that have been discussed and that she hopes to have future workshops with parents.

"A community like ours needs to talk about issues like these," Skelly said.

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