Lake County Publishing Editorial Board
There was an air of palpable enthusiasm in the Upper Lake High School library Wednesday evening. Gathered there were three Northshore school boards, numerous teachers and administrators, and a few community members, who came to discuss articulation ? or getting on the same page ? among the districts.
This trilateral meeting between the boards of the Upper Lake Union High School District, Upper Lake Union Middle School District and Lucerne Elementary District focused on communication and working together, and how best to accomplish those goals in order to do the best by the district?s students.
The showing of teachers was impressive; their passion for their students and for teaching to high standards was obvious. Parents of children in these districts, be assured: These teachers care. And so do the administrators and board members.
Their job isn?t an easy one. They are faced with financial shortages coupled with the need to provide more services to struggling students. Test scores are down; some believe it may result from different instructional strategies at the various schools. So, combining resources ? especially that of experience and intellect ? is a logical step in addressing the challenges.
The question of how schools can better articulate is being asked all over, said Tim Gill of the Lake County Office of Education. Formerly a math instructor at Middletown High School, Gill now works for LCOE, traveling around the county ? and sometimes outside of it ? to help schools address curriculum issues.
Gill said LCOE is making articulation a major goal, and is offering resources and support to area schools that are pursuing it.
Long journeys into uncharted territory often begin with tentative steps. The goal is to just keep moving forward, despite questions and obstacles.
Wednesday night?s meeting was a very positive step, with many more remaining ahead. As the administrators and boards go off to separately consider how to continue the conversation, we look forward to seeing what answers will emerge.
We encourage the Northshore school districts to continue pursuing articulation. It is, we believe, in the best interest of everyone ? especially our children.
The Lake County Publishing Editorial Board includes Publisher Gregg McConnell, Editor Elizabeth Larson, News Editor David Stoneberg and Sports Editor Brian Sumpter.
