Ex-Mayor to Help With School Plans

School officials are lauding former Mayor Greg Stratton’s longtime government experience as he prepares to join a new committee that will help map the school district’s needs into the next decade.

But Stratton has more on his mind than just the leadership goals and community experience others think he can bring to the process.

“Hey, I’ve got a grandson that’s going to go to school here,” said Stratton, referring to his 1-year-old grandson, Parker. “Let’s talk about something important. Grandpa wants to make sure his grandson has a good school district to go to.”

After giving up the gavel late last month, Stratton accepted a position on the new school’s committee.

Stratton is one of 30 committee members who will work with a Sacramento consulting firm to help the district form a 10-year facilities plan. The plan will take into account future housing developments and increasing student numbers.

The results of the committee’s work aren’t expected until late spring, but its members are expected to come up with some short-range plans in the next month to help the district prepare for the 1999-2000 school year.

Short-term decisions could include shifting school boundaries or opening one of four closed elementary schools.