Parents have voiced concerns about dangers stemming from both construction activities and debris, and the lack of background checks for each individual construction worker.

The Los Gatos Union School District has responded with several changes on campus—some implemented at the beginning of the school year and some having begun last week.

A security person has been hired at Van Meter (and Fisher Middle School, where construction is also taking place) to help keep children away from construction zones and workers while additionally helping with traffic flow.

"We will continue to address concerns," Park said. "We are really working hard within the law, as interpreted by our lawyers, to both protect the children and get work done."

Jim Silva, director of facilities, planning and construction for the district, mentioned the new addition of daily safety checks performed by the school maintenance crew, as well as a weekly inspection by the district's insurance risk manager.

In the weekly construction newsletter, written by Silva, it states that fencing designating construction zones is planned to be reinforced and that a new, see-through green screen will be put up along the construction lines.

"A concern was brought up and I think we tried to address that with extra measures to make sure students felt comfortable and safe," Silva said.

"I think we have helped the situation in order to prevent problems and to find things before they need to be fixed."

However, parents are still not satisfied with what is being done on campus. There are concerns that no amount of fencing supercedes background checks for all construction employees—currently the law designates that it is appropriate for a selected foreman who has undergone a background check to oversee all construction workers.

Van Meter parents such as Jeff Solinger are concerned that the district appears to be satisfied with its level of protection.

"We have the chance to be a model for all future schools in Los Gatos and within the district," Solinger said. "We understand there is a give and take with everything, but if our demands are not applicable, at least the district can explain why."

Park explains that the district sought legal council to address the background check issue and that the district is "careful about abiding by the law," and that they are "most likely doing more than most districts," she said.

"We are working very hard—as we have always worked very hard—to make the schools safe for the kids," Park said. "When you go through a renovation, it is not business as usual. There are inconveniences that you have to go through, and we are addressing those issues as best we can."

Solinger, who spearheads the background check effort, still believes there is more to be done.

"This is an ongoing issue that has a state perspective," Solinger said, adding that he plans to soon meet with state senators interested in creating an amendment to the existing legislation pertaining to construction laws.

"This is still a concern of parents that should be worked with, and the district has the ability to show how this should be done."