Explore Unification of the Various School Districts

By Ginger Gherardi

We cannot conduct business as usual. We need to cut costs and explore creative funding options to maintain programs like GATE, music, art, science and sports.

Some folks feel threatened by the notion of changing the status quo - unification was on the ballot 30 years ago and it failed, therefore it shouldn't be looked at again. Students 30 years ago didn't learn using computers. Does it make sense for us to continue doing business the way did 30 years ago? Even if the community ultimately decides not to pursue unification, we will have improved communcation between the various school districts. Right now the Elementary School District and the High School District can't even seem to coordinate the school calendar -something which is a real problem for many families.

We cannot sacrifice programs like GATE, music, fine arts, science and sports. We need to scrutinize the budget, eliminate unnecessary contracts and look to creative ways to fund needed programs. One approach would be to install solar panels on the school buildings to generate electricity and reduce energy costs.

My experience as the Executive Director of the Ventura County Transportation, along with many years as a classroom teacher and service of the boards of several National and local organizations places me in a unique position to help the Santa Paula Elementary School District meet the fiscal, educational and administrative challenges ahead.