Change in leadership coming next fall

Jeff Lough School district officials last week had a tough task convincing parents at Las Virgenes Community Learning Center that the new alternative elementary school in Calabasas could continue without its founding leaders, Brenda and Itamar Harari.

Although the Hararis' contract was not extended, Superintendent Donald Zimring assured parents that the school would remain open as long as enrollment didn't decline.

One hundred students are needed to keep the school open, Zimring said. Currently, there are 90 students.

"We're shooting higher," said Rose Dunn, the school district's director of elementary education.

Next year, the school's assistant director, Jeff Lough, is being promoted to director. Lough will be expected to build upon the Hararis' vision, which stresses social and emotional development with a focus on individualized learning. The curriculum also emphasizes "compassionate communication," global education and other progressive learning techniques.

A school psychologist who previously taught special education classes in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Lough said alternative education is his "passion."

"I hope to bridge the gap and make it palatable to you, teachers and students," Lough said regarding the upcoming transition period.

He outlined several new goals, including "looping," which allows students to have the same teacher from grade to grade. Another new element of the program will be a block schedule, which allows teachers and students to spend more time in one subject area.