School district sets goals for coming yea

Las Virgenes Unified School District officials have set new goals to improve educational opportunities for students.

The school board updates its goals every two to five years, Superintendent Sandra Smyser said. When she joined the district at the beginning of the school year, Smyser said she was instructed to view district goals with "fresh eyes."

There are more than 12,000 students in the district.

Administrators, board members, staff and teachers underwent a comprehensive review of "why and how they do what they do." The group conducted surveys, focus groups and other sessions to clarify goals. Even the existing mission statement went under the microscope, but officials' overwhelming approval of the statement was used as a benchmark to develop four "dynamics," or overriding philosophical tenets.

The mission statement outlines student achievement as a top goal, but also describes each of the 14 district schools as a "humanistic organization, valuing students emotionally and academically, providing the highest quality education possible in a personalized environment." The mission also touches on the importance of citizenship and responsibility to the community and society.

A safe and nurturing environment, program flexibility that focuses on "rigor and relevance," plus support services to help students reach their fullest potential were cited as elements that lead to achievement. The first dynamic also called for schools to provide "seamless" transitions from one grade to the next.

School board member Dave Moorman called the new doctrines a "litmus test" that could be used when making educational decisions.

Smyser said all new programs will be measured against the detailed ideology.

As for student responsibility and citizenship, the plan calls for schools to help students develop a strong character and work ethic. To reach this goal, officials said that students who make responsible choices will be recognized and celebrated. Community service dovetails into character development, and officials hope that students will become contributing members of a global society.

Smyser said she was thrilled with the district's focus on student responsibility and helping youth reach their "personal best."

"I'm pleased to see these goals," Las Virgenes Education Association Co-President Sandra Pope said. "They put some teeth into the mission statement."

The third dynamic calls for "synergy of staff" that supports the growth of every employee and "respects and encourages innovation." Collaboration with parents and the community was also stressed.

The final section focused on collaboration among schools, parents and the community.

"Let's get everybody involved in education," Pope said.

She added that more collaboration might lead to solutions to some problems. Veteran teachers have been leaving the district, she said, because they cannot afford housing.

Pope called for continued partnerships with cities and said the city of Agoura Hills established an affordable housing program for teachers and other public servants. She hoped similar programs could be established in neighboring cities.

Brian Wade, a Calabasas High School senior who serves as the student representative at school board meetings, offered a collaborative idea. He wants to encourage students who will reach voting age by the June election to vote. He said that since overall voter turnout is typically low, "two hundred 18year-old votes can turn the election."