Turnbull may swap monikers

The new name aims to reflect the positive changes, and trustees seemed open to the idea at a board meeting Thursday night

"I am interested in this," said Trustee Phyllis Moore. "I kind of like the continuity, the permanence."

College Park changed its name to Turnbull a few years ago, and its preschool would keep the Turnbull name.

Superintendent Pendery Clark indicated the public ought to weigh in, and a meeting for parents, staff and the community is expected later this summer.

Turnbull and two other schools received a $6 million federal magnet grant last year for improvement, and the school introduced new elective programs this school year. More tutors have been hired, and parents have been given the option to transfer students to other schools. The programs are all academically based and tailored to student and parent preferences, said Irving Philips, director of magnet programs at the district.

Students have core reading and math classes in the morning. From 2 p.m. to the end of the school day they can take a variety of electives, including some acting and singing classes taught by performers from Broadway by the Bay.

Director of Instruction Joan Rosas said the school has outpaced the federal mandates for changing the school, and the grant money allowed it to provide hundreds of hours of teacher training, better facilities and the elective program. The grant will last two more years.

Results from tests taken this spring are expected in the fall, and administrators indicated the school may have to wait another year before it exits Program Improvement.

Even if it falls short this year, it has already made the federally mandated changes.

Turnbull will also host the district's Gifted and Talented Education Program, which moved from Laurel Elementary.

In other business, Bowditch Middle School Principal Sylvia Chinn will replace Principal Carolyn McRoberts at Laurel Elementary next school year. McRoberts resigned this spring under pressure from parents and teachers.

Foster City Elementary Principal David Holcombe will replace Chinn at Bowditch.

It's a tough act to follow but I'm looking forward to it, Holcombe said Thursday night.

The district is advertising for a new principal at Foster City Elementary.

Stephen Baxter can be reached by e-mail at stephen@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.