Now that the election for the board of the Sequoia high school district is over, I would like to comment upon the very limited coverage that this newspaper gives to our local public schools and the consistently negative tone of that coverage.
It is really unfortunate, and shortsighted of your newspaper, which relies for its financial well-being on the local real estate market. The property values of Menlo Park, Ladera and Portola Valley are underpinned by the terrific public schools.
The Almanac’s circulation area includes the three best public middle schools in the state of California. The schools are excellent because of the commitment of the teachers and involvement of neighborhood parents who donate time and energy to build and maintain these fine, humane institutions.
When the Menlo Park moms had worked their magic on the elementary and middle schools, they then took up a bigger challenge, finding resources to improve the city’s high school.
When we moved to Menlo Park 11 years ago, for the schools, the high school looked like a correctional facility. Through the dedicated work of the parents and several first-rate principals, bonds were proposed, campaigned for and approved. At the same time funds were raised for class-size reduction and teacher training and more Advanced Placement courses. Year by year M-A has improved and has come to present to the neighborhood and to itself a confidence in the quality of the education that is offered to all our children.
The social, economic and academic range at M-A could not be wider. M-A is possibly the most ambitious and hopeful public institution in the state. Principal Matthew Zito and his administrative team are heroes. On top of the academic progress, Mr. Zito has also managed to give this neighborhood a new theater, a remarkable public resource. Building the PAC was an educational experience for the students, and it could also have been a community-enriching experience for Almanac readers as well.
Mr. Zito worked closely with the builder, recognizing his responsibility for this large investment. He brought the building in on time. It is the most architecturally interesting building on the Peninsula not owned by Stanford. I have heard two directors of classical music ensembles rave about the acoustics.
Do your readers know that Menlo Park has been given a treasure? The community owes Mr. Zito our thanks. I have not seen that sentiment expressed by this paper. The dismissive attitude is incomprehensible to me. Nothing would excite this neighborhood more than hearing about the success of our schools and our children.
Carin Pacifico lives on Crocus Place in Menlo Park.
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