MEREDITH PUTS LA CANADA'S STUDENTS FIRST

By Meredith Reynolds

Working together, we make a difference for our kids!

--Because of our careful attention to revenues and expenditures and maintenance of higher than required reserves, the LCUSD was able to be one of the first districts in the state to implement class size reductions in 1996. Class sizes in grades K-3, ninth grade math and English are at 20 to 1. Across the District the class size averages are lower than they've ever been in the history of the District.

--Class size is important, but without effective teachers many of its benefits will be lost. I have worked very hard to support relevant teacher training and the implementation of highly selective hiring procedures to assure only the best teachers are in our children's classrooms.

--Parent and community participation and input has been increased by expanding the membership on the Curriculum Council to include parents and students, by publishing a District newsletter mailed to the entire community, by creating a District web page and by encouraging site-based management.