Committee revival important for schools
The revived Committee on School District Organization is a
long-needed authority whose reincarnation signals the potential for
major changes ahead in local education, but citizens also should
not necessarily expect an overhaul anytime soon as the main
priority now should be setting the group on the right path.
The key word, which somehow slipped out of this equation for
many years, is
”
potential.
”
Committee revival important for schools
The revived Committee on School District Organization is a long-needed authority whose reincarnation signals the potential for major changes ahead in local education, but citizens also should not necessarily expect an overhaul anytime soon as the main priority now should be setting the group on the right path.
The key word, which somehow slipped out of this equation for many years, is “potential.”
County school leaders are close to re-forming the voting committee whose members will consider major changes to the 11 area districts. Relatively new schools Superintendent Mike Sanchez and other cooperating officials throughout the county should be praised for addressing it with a head of steam after years without any momentum.
The task as a whole, taken on by current school officials and incoming panel members, is monumental. Job duties for the incoming committee say enough about its significance. The inter-district committee’s role is to address proposals brought forth related to a list of questions that include transfers of territory, district unification, dissolution of a district, annexation, establishment or abolishment of trustee areas and formation of new districts.
It’s no wonder school leaders throughout a district-heavy county for so many years were less than ecstatic to push it forward again.
That slate of duties for the revived board’s 11 incoming members is hefty and broadly encompassing – which makes a careful selection all the more important. There must, though, be a representative panel in place to consider such proposals, and there hasn’t been one for years.
As Mike Sanchez, the superintendent of schools, stressed in The Weekend Pinnacle this week, the committee’s revival does not necessarily mean any major changes are on the horizon. He also contended that every proposal will be considered with respect to its effect on quality of education.
We agree with both sentiments, though it is also fair, and necessary, to give serious consideration to every proposal with a possibility of saving taxpayers’ money.
Also crucial to the success of this committee is having a wide variety of representation from throughout San Benito County. It looks as though school leaders plan to stress the same, and it is particularly encouraging that Sanchez has made it a priority.
