Options in School Programs Advocated : Education: Simi Valley survey shows parents especially interested in expanding alternatives at secondary level.

Simi Valley parents want more choices in school programs--particularly in junior high and high school--so they can select an education that best fits their child’s needs, according to a districtwide survey released this week.

The greatest interest among 4,863 families that returned the survey was in expanding alternatives at the secondary level. Most popular was the idea of starting a fundamental junior high school, which would feature a strict dress code and high expectations of students.

The board of the Simi Valley Unified School District wanted to gauge community support for ideas they had discussed as part of long-range planning, including establishing high schools centered on technology or fine arts and establishing a four-year high school. The district’s two high schools currently serve grades 10 through 12.

“You can conclude from this that there is solid interest out there in having options,” Assistant Supt. Susan Parks said.

About 44% of the 11,002 families that received surveys in February returned them, a high rate of participation, given historical levels of 10% to 12%, Parks said. Only about 2% of respondents sent in more than one survey, she said.

“I do believe this is a starting place for dialogue as we move into an era of choice and alternatives,” Parks told the board at Tuesday night’s meeting.

The school board agreed to discuss the survey’s results further at its annual planning retreat in July, when long-range goals are discussed in terms of budget constraints.

Widening choices for parents has become an increasingly hot topic since the failed statewide voucher initiative last year raised debate about giving parents the option to send their children to private schools with tax-supported vouchers.

“I think it’s really important that we do offer other options,” board member Judy Barry said. “I don’t think we’re going to be able to do a lot that costs money, but I see a lot of things in here that aren’t going to be expensive.”

Some of the least costly options topped the list of favored alternative programs, including starting a fundamental junior high and adding another fundamental elementary school to the two already operating with waiting lists.

Establishing a high school with a science and technology emphasis would be more expensive, but with community backing and business partnerships it could be accomplished in the next several years, Barry said.

About 59% of the respondents wanted a fundamental junior high, with 55% favoring another elementary fundamental school and 57% approving a science and technology high school.

Just over one-third of the survey respondents said they would be willing to transport a child to an alternative high school or junior high, Parks said.

The surveys were sent home with all students, Parks said. Since some families who responded have more than one child, the response represents more than half of the student population, she said.

Responses came in highest numbers from families with children in grades kindergarten through eight, Parks said.