In an effort to modernize and simplify the name of the organization, the district is receiving a new representative logo or image that will be displayed on letterhead, faxes, websites, newsletters, banners and district vehicles. The district will still be officially known by its full title for formal purposes, but Los Gatos School District or LGSD will be used as an abbreviation when typography accompanies the logo.

Longtime Los Gatos resident and graphic designer Rick Tharp, along with children's illustrator Susan Jaekel of Los Gatos, updated the old image of a schoolhouse that represents the district, which Tharp likened to a "dilapidated outhouse." Tharp told district board members at a Dec. 16 meeting that the new schoolhouse featured in the logo with shadowed trees and hills in the background is modern, creating a sense of identity and place, and giving viewers the idea that it symbolizes a town.

"We're the only place I know of in a 30- to 50-mile radius that's still a town," Tharp said.

The artists honored the district's history by continuing to use a schoolhouse design, but enhanced the former image that resembled an old barn or church. The new logo can be displayed in various colors and sizes in both printed and Internet material.

During the board's annual organizational meeting, Dorothy Rouse was elected president, replacing Tina Orsi-Hartigan. Kathleen Bays became the new clerk and voting representative for the county's committee on school district organization, acting as a representative to the county school board association.

David Olson, from the financial advisory firm of Kelling Northcross and Nobriga, reported to the board the district's latest sale of $25,000,000 in bond funding. Olson said the successful sale, which took place Dec. 4 at an "attractive interest rate" (4.8 percent), will start the funding for construction projects at Daves Avenue and Blossom Hill elementary schools.

District Superintendent Mary Ann Park also reported about a meeting she had with Los Gatos Monte­Sereno Police Chief Scott Seaman and representatives from the Los Gatos Department of Parks and Public Works. They discussed traffic and safety concerns at the intersection of Shannon Road and Los Gatos Boulevard, near both Louise Van Meter Elementary School and Raymond J. Fisher Middle School.

"We all had some input about the issues, and we've each decided to do certain things that are within our areas," Park said.

Park said she'll be monitoring the behavior of students, making sure they are more careful crossing the street. The public works department will be installing better, more visible striping for motorists at the crossing. And the police department will provide additional patrols in the area.

"I think it was a very profitable meeting," Park said. "And we worked very hard to make sure kids are safe in Los Gatos."

The Dec. 16 board meeting also featured the "Reach for the Stars" award presentation. Park and the board members recognized and honored four employees who go above and beyond the district's expectations to strive for excellence with their students and themselves in unique and creative ways.

The recipients of the award included longtime district substitute teacher Marion Harkness; Fisher Middle School teacher Linda Armstrong, who was also the nominee for the California League of Middle Schools Teacher of the Year award; Fisher teacher and Robotics Club adviser Wendy Dillingham-Plew; and Fisher teacher and Rocket Club adviser Steve Hum.