High Expectations
Inspire High Achievement in Gilroy Schools
BY
ROBIN SHEPHERD
56
WE LIKE TO REMIND OUR YOUTH about the value of a good education , but we sometimes forget or underestimate the value that a good public education system provides to our community . It ’ s an incubator for future business and community leaders , a significant local employer , and a hub that brings families together .
Gilroy Unified School District ( GUSD ) is an excellent example , with 15 schools and 1,100 employees serving close to 12,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade . GUSD has made great strides in the seven years since Dr . Deborah Flores took the reins as the school district superintendent . She is passionate about Gilroy schools , and it shows .
No matter how busy her day is Dr . Flores manages to find time to talk with parents and other community stakeholders about the school district ’ s goals and performance . She skips the rhetoric and states the facts when describing how the district is raising the bar on its educational goals , and how the students are aiming higher to achieve more .
“ When I came to the district in 2007 , it was the worst economic downturn in decades , with teachers forgoing salary increases and being asked to take furlough days , but our schools still performed better . By 2011 , we surpassed the state goal for district API scores and our schools continue to trend upward .”
GUSD is gaining recognition for its achievements . In 2012 , the district received the prestigious Hoffmann Award from the Santa Clara County Office of Education for its Elementary Engagement and Achievement Initiative . That same year , four GUSD schools received 2020 Vision Awards from the County Office of Education based on performance in closing the achievement gap between socio-economically advantaged and disadvantaged students .
Paving The Way For A Bright Future “ We are constantly learning and continuously working to improve our district schools , and we spend time with the Chamber of Commerce , the Rotary Club , the County ’ s youth task force and other community members to let them know how we are doing ,” Dr . Flores said .
Every month , Dr . Flores meets with parent advisory committees , which represent each of the district ’ s 15 schools . “ We ’ ve taken our district ’ s Local Control Accountability Plan on the road to these parent groups . It ’ s a great two-way communication that allows us to talk about priorities , what ’ s working , and areas for improvement . Parent involvement is essential to our success .”
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Photos courtesy of GUSD , by Michael Hawk Photography