Make El Cerrito public schools the FIRST choice of El Cerrito families

WCCUSD is providing wonderful school facilities, and EC provides wonderful after-care, but local schools still struggle to attract local families, esp after 6th grade. Though the city has no formal role in the schools, it can nonetheless provide support and exert influence to improve the schools and broaden their appeal. By establishing a formal city strategic priority to "Make El Cerrito public schools the FIRST choice of El Cerrito families," the city will be postioned to work with WCCUSD, local principals, PTAs, parents, students, and neighbors to develop an action plan of the things that are within the city';s ability and authority. For example: - Monthly City Council discussion with a WCCUSD Board member about progress towards EC school goals - City/school/PTA partnership to pro-actively engage local parents at key decision points (before K, before 7th grade). - EC city parcel tax for class size reduction in EC schools. - More/better ideas would come from the community