What does it mean to be Los Altan of the Year? That's a question we often ask ourselves as we have, for the past five years, bestowed our honor on unsuspecting, but wholly deserving leaders of our community.
Our criteria for the honor has been this: a person who has contributed significantly to the reputation of Los Altos as a desired community in which to live.
Our latest honoree, Marge Gratiot, head of the Los Altos School District, goes a step further: a leader who has contributed to the personal success of all who pass through her schools.
Since Gratiot became schools chief in 1987, the district went from good to great, as test scores consistently rank Los Altos among the state's best districts.
For this, we have Gratiot's smooth and effective leadership to thank. We congratulate Gratiot on the honor and commend ourselves on our choice.