Looking Ahead
Several elementary parents expressed concern for their children’s future education at the Middle School, for some 5 years into the future.
Middle School Principal Dr. Jerry Kosch was on hand to present a comprehensive power point program related to the Middle School’s myriad of offerings for our students.
Makeup of Audience
The standing-room-only group reflected participation by young parents, more experienced Middle School parents, Middle School staff and those who read the District’s press releases.
City Council members Alan Corlin and Scott Malsin were in the audience and, of course, a few School Board members, including me. A mixed group receiving a united message — the Middle School, one of eight “Schools to Watch” in the state, is a school that does more than educate 6th through 8th graders.
My three sons went through the Middle School over a span of about 10 years.
Considering Options
We, as a family, experienced the many benefits of the school and its amazing staff. We, just like many other parents, had the option of choosing between private or public education.
In fact, we were the only family in my husband’s office that made the public school decision. We did carefully visit and examine a variety of private schools.
The Final Decision
We finally made the decision that what was offered in Culver City was equal to or surpassed what we’d seen on the private circuit, at a savings of about $20,000 per kid per year.
It did, of course, involve a lot of volunteering on behalf of my kids.
How did it turn out? Well, the oldest got his Masters from USC, the middle one is in law school, and the youngest is a junior at Monterey Bay.
Progress Noted
In the years that have gone by, the schools have continued to move forward, which is the goal of the School District as a whole.
No one settles for what was but for what can be.
The School Board members, all whom live in Culver City, and have had or have children in the District, pay close attention to everyone with opinions regarding the schools.
Sharing Ideas
The School Board represents parents, all staff, the administrators and the Culver City community.
One way to share ideas is to attend School Board meetings and, during public recognition, speak up about concerns and ideas.
When and Where
The meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, at 7:30, at the School District offices, 4034 Irving Pl.
Additionally, we like receiving email, and I make it a point to respond to each one.
The School Board believes in research-based, data-driven recommendations.
Time to Consult
The Board habitually asks District staff to share the latest information during meetings so that the public can be informed. The all-day kindergarten offering, for example, came out of nationwide research.
It has been in the infant stages as we carefully monitor the progress of the children in that particular program.
Having Priorities
Other suggestions have come from parent forums that beg for actual considered research rather than immediate responses. Our superintendents proved that they are putting the welfare of all of our children first by not acquiescing to individual demands without the appropriate knowledge base or background.
Time to Sign up
I encourage the parents of Culver City to become, once again, more closely involved with our School District.
If you haven’t yet, join the PTA, join the Culver City Education Foundation, volunteer in a classroom, in the School Library, or in whatever way you can to be a part of any school in the District.
I think you will find participation to be a real educational experience.
In her second term, Marla Wolkowitz is president of the School Board.
