By Katie Matice

Parent leaders from all eight of our Los Altos District schools have concern over some of the political rhetoric that has surfaced during the current election campaign for three seats on our school board.

As a parent leader, I believe it is important for each member of the community to be aware of the complete information about our schools.

Our public schools are woven into the fabric of our community. Whether or not your children or grandchildren are of school age, everyone in the community has benefited from the strong Los Altos School District.

We are a community that continues to grow. And we are fortunate that our area is highly attractive to young families. Frankly, all of us who live here benefit from rising home values - a market that has been steadily increasing for the past 10 years.

Our school district attracts new families because of its results. Over the past six years, since the inception of statewide measurements, our academic excellence is second to none. In each of those years district scores have continued to improve, including a 9-point increase in the most recently reported results. The district has a plan and it is working.

During this same period the district has started and completed the first phase of its facilities renovation project within budget.

Each of our eight operating schools has had all its permanent classrooms fully modernized, all infrastructure (electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning) has been replaced, and all schools have been brought up to the latest seismic standards.

Our district has also won awards for its financial management. Our annual budget process, which consumes nearly six months of each year and involves parents, teachers, administrators, the Citizens Advisory Committee for Finance and the Board of Trustees, is a model of excellence. In each of the last five years the district budget process has been recognized with statewide awards from professional organizations that monitor these efforts.

Because of its excellence in both the academic and financial aspects of school administration, the district has been able continually to attract and keep the best and brightest teachers, support staff, principals and administrators over the years.

Last year, with the retirement of our superintendent of 18 years, a nationwide search was conducted to find a new superintendent who would continue, without pause, the excellence of the district. New superintendent Tim Justus also brings a proven record of new ideas and innovations that will keep the district at the pinnacle of success for years to come.

As we look to the upcoming election, we will be selecting the next generation of school board trustees. Our community has a history of pride. As you cast your ballot on Nov. 8, please consider trustees who honor our tradition as a strong public school district and will build on that strength for the future.

Matice is a Loyola School parent.