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Published on 06/05/1995 All articles from this issue

Los Altos schools chief named county superintendent of the year

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Recognized for her ability to foster a spirit of cooperation between school and community, Los Altos School District Superintendent Marge Gratiot has been selected Superintendent of the Year for Santa Clara County by the Association of California School Administrators. She is one of 18 superintendents considered for State Superintendent of the Year.

Gratiot, who holds a Ph.D. in Administration and Policy Analysis from Stanford, was honored at a ceremony May 25 in San Jose. After starting her career as a classroom teacher and resource specialist, she served as principal at Loyola and Santa Rita schools before becoming assistant superintendent of curriculum and finally superintendent for the Los Altos School District for the past eight years.

"There isn't one person who isn't comfortable talking with Marge from students to administrators," said Sheila Faillace, former PTA council president and an active community volunteer. Gratiot was principal when Faillace's children attended Santa Rita. "She's just a wonderful person, witty and warm. All the kids in the district are fond of her."

That sentiment is echoed by school board trustee Terri Sachs who said that Gratiot is highly respected for all that she has accomplished. "She treats parents as professionals and she's just there for everyone. She must work 60 hours a week for the district."

The awards committee selected Gratiot because of the child-centered nature of her accomplishments, the high academic standards maintained by the district and her service and support from a wide spectrum of the community.

Almond School Principal Linda Eckols said she believes a combination of factors, including good facilitating skills, lead to Gratiot's selection. "She takes everyone's opinions and thoughts and makes sure all are addressed before making a decision," Eckols said.

Gratiot feels her selection was based on the high esteem in which the district is held throughout the county she said. "We are seen as a district with a focus on academic excellence, with high academic achievement and with outstanding support not only from parents, but from the whole Los Altos community."

Gratiot cited several factors as evidence of the district's success: high test scores, a positive vote exceeding 81 percent in the 1993 Measure A parcel tax election and the success of the Los Altos Educational Foundation, which raised $400,000 to support the district's educational program this year.

Active in Los Altos community affairs, Gratiot is a member of the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Los Altos, and serves as chairman of the Stanford University Superintendents' Roundtable.