SJUSD Parents, Students, Employees, and Community Members Raise Their Voices at Community Forum

The January 13 performing arts center community forum hosted at El Camino High School was both informative and positive.  The current status of the “Facilities Master Plan” for Measure N was presented by the newly hired Bond Manager, Brett Mitchell.  Mr. Mitchell addressed the process and challenges of creating a facilities master plan for the school district, modernizing schools, and establishing 21st century “learning communities” and design standards for all schools in the district.

The bulk of the meeting (over one hour) was devoted to questions from the 140-member audience.  Audience members made very clear to Interim Superintendent Kent Kern, SJUSD Board Member Greg Paolo (also in attendance), and Mr. Mitchell their want, desire, need and passion for a performing arts facility that would serve all schools in the district and the surrounding community.  Neither of the district representatives could make a promise or commitment regarding a performing arts center, but Mr. Kern and Mr. Paulo both acknowledged they understand and agree with the need. 

Although audience members did not get the commitment they were looking for, the forum was positive in that our district administrators and school board member heard from an extremely passionate and loyal group of parents, students, employees and community members.  It was made perfectly clear that a performing arts center in this school district is the right thing to do and an investment in the future of our schools, the students it serves, and the community in which it resides.