GILROY
– A parent involvement policy that would annually evaluate
customer service and communication practices at each Gilroy school
is one step closer to board approval.
GILROY – A parent involvement policy that would annually evaluate customer service and communication practices at each Gilroy school is one step closer to board approval.
At a special study session Tuesday night, trustees reviewed a draft policy that will ultimately replace an existing parental involvement policy. The current document, which is barely one-half page, has been called outdated and vague.
Trustee Tom Bundros initiated the policy review last month. He calls it one of his “soapbox issues.”
“The district has been perceived as though it is sometimes not listening,” Bundros said. “There’s a greater emphasis on two-way communication (with the new policy). Parents often feel that it’s more one-way, so highlighting that and the leadership’s role in that is important.”
In addition to the regular review of school site practices, the new parental involvement policy notes the importance of administrative leadership in “creating a climate conducive to parental participation” and supports “professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance understanding of effective parent involvement strategies.”
The policy also describes a parent involvement system that is “coordinated in nature.” This opens the door to guidelines such as a 24-hour deadline for returning phone calls or monthly newsletters from all principals. Bundros said those specifics have not yet been worked out.
Gilroy Unified School District will host a public forum Wednesday to further refine the policy. Barring something unforeseen, the draft could become working policy as early as next month.
For years, the school district has struggled to get the regular level of parental involvement it seeks, from attendance at board meetings to everyday help in classrooms. Last year, Gilroy High School faced controversy over its decision to hire two parents for $18,000, hoping they could drum up consistent parental involvement at the high school.
The plan made little impact and was continued on a voluntary basis this year.
Increasing parent and community involvement has been a district priority since 2000. Over the past three years, success has been hit-and-miss.
While some events – such as a freshman information night held at Gilroy High School in December – have drawn standing-room-only crowds, attendance at others have been disappointing.
Trustees have also expressed disappointment with communication systems in the district, such as the Gilroy High School phone system that some feel is not user-friendly. Recently, debate has also stirred over district e-mail usage. Trustees want to see more and regular usage of e-mail by teachers and staff.
In response, Superintendent Edwin Diaz is working on a “customer service” policy for people who interface directly with the community, Bundros said.
