By Editorial

One of the major concerns nagging the Los Altos School District is community concern over accountability. Despite what administrators may think are reasonable measures on their end to be accountable, many residents in the district community aren’t buying it.

Why? It’s quite obvious that the state is facing a severe budget deficit and 75 percent of the district’s funding comes from the state. But for some, the district hasn’t been good at telling people specifically how its funding is used. They don’t understand how district finances could go from being stable less than two years ago to a $3 million deficit this year and a projected $4.5 million shortfall next year.

Clearly, the district charge must include educating the public at large as well as its own students.

The Save Our Staff Campaign raised $1.4 million to retain teachers targeted for layoffs because of the budget deficit. The Los Altos Educational Foundation pledges to raise $1.2 million more and the district plans another pass at a parcel tax hike this November.

Obviously, the district gets tremendous support from parents and other advocates. The district has a corresponding fiduciary responsibility to its local “shareholders.”

The district has made some inroads lately toward better communication. Highlights of the last important board meeting June 10 went home with parents during the final week of the year. The information was printed in bigger type, was easy to read and provided essential details. The district is offering better details of its financial situation on its Web site, www.losaltos.k12.ca.us. This is a great start. We are encouraged to know one of the district’s main goals for the 2002-2003 year is to improve its communications with the public.

A few suggestions toward that end: The district’s constituents deserve periodlc budget reports that detail in the simplest terms where the money is coming from and going to. These reports can be added to the district newsletter going home with the children. For nonparents, the district should publish financial reports on its Web site. We know that $20,000 has been cut from the budget for Web maintenance, but perhaps tech-oriented volunteers will fill the gap.

A report should be supplied to any who ask for it.

How about a breakdown of the $1.4 million S.O.S. raised? Which teachers are being restored and at what schools? How were the determinations made? This should be detailed online and on paper.

Communication is a two-way street. Residents also need to be somewhat proactive in seeking information, either by reading newspaper reports, talking to district personnel or attending board meetings. However, the onus is on the district to be completely clear on where the money is going.

We’re confident the district can and will improve its communications with the public. The shareholders await.