That is step one.
The course from there is uncharted and likely to be dense with smoke and fog.
The calculation of how to more or less permanently insure a satisfactory number of enrollees may be as complex as the creative diagram that triggered the crisis in the first place.
Situation Normal
As usual this past spring, El Marino, Culver Citys only special-themed elementary school, attracted enough students to fill its standard complement of kindergarten classes for the next term and necessitate a waiting list.
Here is where an artificial solution was attempted.
Since kindergarten class enrollment at other Culver City schools was falling below expectations, the School District hoped that by closing off enrollment at El Marino, the remaining families might choose another campus in the community.
Parents Rose up
When the maneuver became public in late May-early June, there was a parental upheaval from El Marino that was the loudest in Culver City since families rose up two years ago to protest the inclusion of several hundred Ladera Heights students in the District.
As one of the best organized and most vociferous of the protesting parents from El Marino, former City Councilperson Sandi Levin this morning pronounced the outcome as fantastic.
Dissecting Outcome
Ms. Levin is clear about why El Marinos prized fourth kindergarten Spanish Immersion Program was restored just days after doom had been predicted.
So many parents became involved, she said of the spontaneous uprising that evolved into a smoothly organized movement
Parents were angry. But more importantly, they were focused.
This led to everyone working together toward the same goals, Ms. Levin said:
Increasing enrollment.
Preserving our (kindergarten Spanish) program.
Even if an enrollment dip cannot be averted next spring, Ms. Levin said, the combination of a fresh new face in the Superintendent’s office, her welcome change in style from her predecessor, her prolific ideas, plus recommendations from the task force and from re-charged parents should yield a solution we all can agree on.
The mother of three El Marino students ventured that lots of solutions to our problem are out there.
Ms. Levin started with a cure she described as the most appealing but also the most difficult to achieve.
Reshaping the System
That would involve reconfiguring the Districts elementary schools, converting them to K-through-6 from the present K-through-5.
This would accomplish two desired ends:
Boost natural elementary school enrollment, and
Decrease the overcrowding on the Middle School campus. Two trailers were posted at the Middle School this past year to accommodate the overflow of students.
Ms. Levin also suggested aiming recruitment in two directions, at children who attend private schools and to consider increasing the number of students on permits.
Happy Half-Anniversary
On the occasion of Dr. Cotes half-year anniversary on Irving Place as the District Superintendent, Ms. Levin was the latest in an unbroken line of community leaders to shower her with encomiums.
Our new Superintendent is full of ideas, Ms. Levin said.
Dr. Cote listens to the public. She is open to the community. She is willing to give and to receive ideas.
