My Vision for Gilroy Unified School District

By Thomas J. "Tom" Bundros

My vision starts with a high quality, rigorous curriculum in English language, math, science, history, and music.

The ability to read, write, and speak English is a fundamental key that unlocks the doors of opportunity in America and abroad. GUSD, parents, and community work together to support and actively encourage the mastery of English.

Student understanding and performance is continually assessed. When performance does not meet standards, immediate action is taken, student by student (along with their parents) to understand root causes and apply remedial action. There are exit exams at grades 5 and 8, and a rigorous exam at grade 12.

High performing schools require high performing principals. Principals demonstrate a maniacal focus on execution; the Governance team sets high, measurable goals to establish a culture of high achievement, and principals are held accountable to achieve them.

High quality instruction requires high quality teachers. GUSD understands the characteristics necessary for great teachers and has effective programs to identify and recruit them. GUSD turns good teachers into great teachers through effective training and mentoring.

Schools explicitly teach students to value hard work, show respect, and practice self-discipline. There is no tolerance for disruptive student behavior and disruptions are handled firmly, consistently, and effectively.

All students need a rigorous and solid academic foundation regardless of their life's work; however there are many satisfying and lucrative careers that do not require a university degree. There are differentiated, high quality tracks for business, vocational, fine arts, and college preparatory studies at the high school.