| Service
learning is important, closing the campus at Yosemite High School
was a positive move, discipline is a concern and raising the academic
level is a top priority.
These are the things the Yosemite Joint Union High School District
board members and administrators heard from a group of businessmen
at the district’s second business forum.
The YJUHSD is holding a series of forums this year to hear what people
in the community think about the programs and to hear suggestions
they have for improvement. Earlier in the year, a group of businesswomen
met with district personnel.
Businessmen participating in the forum were Madera County Sheriff-Coroner
John Anderson; Larry Gamble, owner of KAAT/KTNS Radio; Dr. Richard
Hoffman, Oakhurst Center coordinator for the State Center Com-munity
College District and David Linn, Oakhurst attorney and local representative
for Congressman George Radanovich.
Some raised concerns about the district’s alternative programs, wondering
if those students receive the same level of service students receive
at Yosemite High.
District Superintendent Bill McCabe responded that the alternative
programs are for students who have different needs.
YHS Principal Steve Raupp noted that the majority of students who
transfer to the alternative programs do so by choice.
The participants said the district’s image has improved significantly
over the years.
“Your image has improved 300 percent since you closed the campus,”
commented Sheriff Anderson.
Linn agreed but he warned the district not to “set back on your laurels.”
When asked about the skills they look for in employees, the men gave
a variety of responses.
“You have got to teach them math,” Linn said. Hoffman added that they
need to know how to learn.
Sheriff Anderson said there is not a large need for mathematical skills
for deputies but they need to know Spanish and they must have good
computer skills and written and oral communication skills.
“Math, accounting, computer skills, social skills, speech ... we use
everything you teach,” Gamble said.
He added that all students should be focused toward community college
and they all need diversified academic skills.
“We look for intelligence and common sense,” Linn said.
Raupp commented that if schools can teach students a work ethic and
the ability to adapt, “they will be successful.”
Moving on the other topics, Linn asked “where is the pool? That is
an important element.”
McCabe told the group that the promises made during the bond campaign
will be finished. “Credibility is so important,” he said.
Sheriff Anderson noted that schools now have to teach to the test
to meet the state standards. “It shouldn’t be that way,” he said,
“it should be local control.”
The next roundtable will include people in the hospitality industry.
It will be held in February.
Future roundtables will be with Realtors and with local people who
are graduates of the district.
For more information, call Earlene Ward, 683-8801 ext. 338.
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