As a candidate for School Board, I have been approached by many student volunteers who want to “fix our school pool” by helping with my campaign.
Some volunteers are “permit” students, meaning they live outside the School District but attend school in our District on a permit basis.
Approximately 20% percent of the students in our School District are classified as permit students. I think my permit volunteers are exceptional students because they realize their parents can't vote and they want to contribute to helping our School District anyway.
I have had to deliver campaign materials to some of our permit students’ parents' homes located as far away as Macarthur Park and Inglewood. That's a pretty long commute. It takes a lot of dedication for parents to make the sacrifice to have their children attend our outstanding schools.
I realize with such long commutes it may be difficult for parents of permit students to participate in school activities. I would like the District to facilitate more participation of out-of-district parents. For example, it is difficult for a lot of these parents to attend School Board meetings. Why can't the District initiate an interactive sort of Skype program where parents can view and speak directly to Board members? Wouldn't it be nice to have more school events and programs on weekends to accommodate the 20 percent of the students out of the district?
I have the feeling that because the out-of-district parents can't vote, the needs of their children are not being addressed.
If elected as a School Board member, I will address every parent's issues and needs whether they can vote or not.
Mr. Zirgulis may be contacted at zirgulisr@yahoo.com
