The city is served by seven public school districts, of which two—the Saratoga Union School District and the Los Gatos­Saratoga Joint Union High School District—consist of approximately 50 percent of Saratoga students. The remaining 50 percent is spread throughout the other five districts.

According to City Manager Dave Anderson, the council has tried numerous times to coordinate meetings with school officials to discuss various issues such as safety, traffic and construction projects, but attempts turned out to be unsuccessful for one reason or another. During a retreat several months ago, members from the council suggested forming a Schools Commission, but that idea was put to rest after the council decided that forming another commission would not be a realistic approach.

"This committee would help foster good relationships between the city and the school," said Anderson. "It would encourage dialogue about current issues."

At the meeting, Mayor Nick Streit and Councilwoman Kathleen King said that forming a committee would be a step in the right direction and would help remedy any tension felt between the city and the schools.

"We had a rocky start four years ago with all of the traffic and safety problems going on," said Streit. "But we've also had a lot of progress in working together."

Over the past several months, many improvements concerning traffic and pedestrian safety have been made at several schools, making many parents, staff, commuters and residential neighbors feel relieved. For example, thanks to communication efforts between the city and the Saratoga Union School District, Redwood Middle School now has a new pick-up and drop-off zone at the end of Allendale Avenue, a median preventing drivers from making illegal U-turns and signs prohibiting left turns to the upper parking lot. This has significantly helped to alleviate the traffic congestion during the morning and afternoon commute hours. In addition, Blue Hills and Argonaut elementary schools had similar improvements done to their sites.

At the meeting, King said that there are many lessons that can be learned from each side. She added that these lessons can be kept in mind when dealing with future school-related issues.

Streit, King and Anderson will be serving on the committee. The committee would meet with the superintendents and school-board presidents at each of the public and private schools to discuss desired issues.

"We're making an extra effort to open the channel of communication," said Anderson.

School officials said this is the solution they have been looking for.

"This is the first major step in working with the city," said John Waite, Saratoga Union School District board president. "Our relationship with the city has been congenial in the past, but there's always room for improved cooperation."

Los Gatos­Saratoga High School District Superintendent Cindy Ranii said she agreed that relations with the city have always been agreeable, but she is looking forward to a closer working relationship.

"The city is making a wonderful initiative," Ranii said. "We'll stand ready to fully cooperate and to having our doors open."

Cynthia Chang, Los Gatos­Saratoga High School District board member, said this connection is critical, especially in economic times like these.

"This sends a strong message," she said. "It shows that we'll be working as a team instead of drawing boundaries. It's time we get united and reach out to the community as a group."

Chang said that one of her goals is to not only address safety and traffic concerns, but to also get teenagers more involved with the city.