Board Seek Ways to Be Heard in Sacramento

Seeking more local control over the planning and implementing of public education programs, school board trustees Monday will discuss a plan for giving Capistrano Unified a greater presence in Sacramento.

With the proposed 1997 Legislative Program, officials of Capistrano Unified School District hope to educate local legislators on issues that are important to the district and to help develop state education policies that would serve the interests of local students and schools.

“Sacramento is where the action is,” said James A. Fleming, superintendent of Capistrano Unified. “If we’re going to be heard, we have to have a presence up there.”

The program would have three goals: to educate and inform state lawmakers on local issues so that they can make informed decisions; to influence the legislative process by advancing specific bills; and to establish positive working relationships with legislators.

The program also identifies 12 legislative areas Capistrano Unified has targeted for high priority in 1997. Among them are funding and curriculum issues, class size reduction and school facilities bonds.

The board will meet at 7 p.m. in the district office, 32972 Calle Perfecto. Information: (714) 489-7000.