LPJUSD Board Meeting Celebrates Donations, Family Spirit, and Academic Progress

by Andrew Naylor
Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 1:15 AM.

Los Gatos, CA - The LPJUSD Board of Trustees convened at Loma Prieta Elementary School yesterday, marking a momentous occasion filled with camaraderie and significant developments.

Laughter and applause filled the meeting hall as various topics were discussed, including an extraordinary donation, uplifting performances, and crucial academic collaborations.

A highlight of the evening was the Lion's Club Date Night, which resulted in a remarkable $8,000 donation to LPJUSD for mental health support. This generous contribution will enable the district to further enhance its efforts in providing essential resources and assistance to students facing mental health challenges.

The board meeting also showcased the spirited involvement of eighth-grade students, who took the lead in the much-anticipated Family Spirit Day. Their dedication and enthusiasm were evident as they engaged the community in a day filled with activities promoting unity and togetherness.

A standout moment was when Denise Ramon Herrera mesmerized the audience by performing her school family song, learned at the recent Family Spirit Day, capturing the essence of the district's strong bonds. Board President Erin Asheghian acknowledged the sentiment, mentioning that her Umunhum family also has a song, although refraining from a live rendition.

Superintendent Kevin Grier shared exciting news regarding the district's sports achievements, expressing pride in the seventh and eighth-grade boys volleyball teams for their victorious performances during recent competitions.

Also, during the meeting, Paul Harville, the Director of Facilities and Maintenance, presented comprehensive reports on various topics vital to the district's infrastructure. These included updates on the water system, Cal-SHAPE grants, Building Blocks Daycare, North Campus projects, shade structures, parking lot paving, the shaded fuel break project, and the rich history of the community center. Harville's reports shed light on the progress and ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the district's facilities.

District residency was a key point of discussion, with the district taking steps to align its residency verification process with Los Gatos High School. This alignment aims to streamline administrative verification and ensure consistency in student enrollment.

Excitingly, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between LGSUHSD and LPJUSD was unanimously approved, signaling a significant milestone in fostering collaboration. The MOU will facilitate the sharing of academic progress data between the two school districts. This partnership aims to identify areas where elementary schools can better prepare students for success as they transition to high school, ensuring a seamless educational journey.