GOOD SCHOOLS MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS

By Gary Karnes

ALISAL SCHOOLS AS ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS BELONG TO THE PEOPLE

Many of our neighbors do not have children in our K-6 elementary schools. But as neighbors and taxpayers it is always good to know that your neighborhood school is making great strides in what schools do best, teaching the basics of English language acquisition, writing, and mathematics. Alisal District schools also emphasize social skills and PeaceBuilders.

Our school nutrition program is world class, serving lunch to 7,000 youngsters, breakfast to several thousand, and an after school snack to many more. Nutrition and learning are linked, and our excellent food services department is part of the academic team.

The Alisal District has made many advancements, receiving over $14 million in grants in the last three years. But much more is on our agenda. Items like lowering class size in grades 4-6 has been slowed because of the ever pressing need to build new schools and more classroom facilities on existing campuses to meet the ever growing need presented us by the enrollment of 400 additional students per year.

Fortunately, the Alisal District passed a $25 million General Obligation Bond in November, 1999 with the hope of receiving $15-25 million matching dollars for construction from the State of California. These monies will allow the Alisal to stay ahead of the growth that is planned in the Northeast Corridor of Salinas.

But as a taxpayer, neighbor, and property owner it is good to know that "your" local school is a good school whether you currently have children enrolled there or not.

If you have any questions please call me or e-mail. Thank you for your support.