Oak Park survey says yes to schools
Most respondents chose to move to Oak Park for the quality of its education
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

The biggest issue facing Oak Park is maintaining the quality of the schools, according to a survey of residents conducted by the Oak Park Community Schools Group.

The grass-roots organization, formed in January, is independent of the school district and is made up of volunteer residents who meet monthly to discuss school-related issues such as communications, interdistrict transfers and finances.

The group conducted the survey to learn what fellow residents think. More than 330 people responded, including 116 from people with no children in local schools.

"We wanted to open a dialogue with the community and see how others think. This showed us how to do it," said Susie Harris, Communications Workgroup chair. "We believe this is an effective way of communicating with the community."

The online survey was available on the group's website as well as through Oak Park Update and was designed to allow access by each computer only once.

The survey was available for one month between August and September. The nine questions focused on demographics as well as issue-related items. There was also space for participants to offer general comments.

Most respondents (169) chose to move to Oak Park for the quality of its education. Others came for the natural beauty of the area, the small-town feel, safety of the neighborhoods and proximity to work.

In response to the question "What is the biggest issue facing Oak Park as a community?" most respondents (183) answered maintaining quality of the schools.

The next largest group of answers (55) indicated concern over commercial overdevelopment of surrounding cities, followed by traffic; maintaining the area's small-town feel; lack of business in Oak Park and the impact on tax rates; crime; and teen issues such as drinking, drugs and bullying.

Participants were asked to state what they feel is the most important issue facing Oak Park schools. A broad range of responses were received. A number of people answered that the issue of interdistrict transfers- accepting students from outside of Oak Park- is the most pressing. Although there were those who were against the practice, more respondents supported it.

Other issues included construction/maintenance of school buildings, closing a school due to declining enrollment, the need to pass a school facilities bond measure, maintaining the district's outstanding reputation, budgeting, tolerance and diversity, and concern over the current administration and school board.

Additional suggestions involved establishing a bus program to help with traffic issues around schools and the need for parents and students to be more courteous. Some wanted a "zero period" (additional hour of instruction) at Medea Creek Middle School similar to Oak Park High School's program, a review of the school calendar to consider having the week before Christmas off and a stronger gifted and talented program at the elementary level. Some said too much pressure is placed on parents to raise money to maintain basic programs.

Several respondents expressed appreciation for being given an opportunity to provide their opinions.

"I think that 338 people taking the time to say something about the school system is a very positive result," Harris said. "I'd like to thank those who responded for their interest and feedback."

The findings are being shared with the superintendent and school board. There are additional opportunities for residents to comment or make suggestions, including monthly informational meetings called "Coffee/Chats" that the district is holding throughout the school year and school board meetings, held at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month in Room G9 at Oak Park High School.

Superintendent Tony Knight said he is available to answer questions anytime, either at the district office or at tknight@opusd.k12.ca.us. "The district is always interested in feedback from the public," Knight said.

The group will meet at 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 8 at Mae Boyar Park. Anyone is welcome to attend. For more information you can visit the website oakparkschoolscommunitygroup .com.