A handful of parents are unhappy that the district did not stick to its original decision, which was to tear down the existing multipurpose building and reconfigure it into the main building. These same parents are also concerned about relocating the kindergarten classrooms from Minnesota Avenue to Lincoln Avenue.

"We fought very hard for a new multi-purpose space so we can have programs that other schools enjoy," parent volunteer Bob Mulvany said, "programs we couldn't have because our multipurpose building is substandard and too small."

Ty Williams, district director of facilities and construction, disputes the issue that the current multipurpose building is too small. "The fact is, half of the campuses in the district have multipurpose buildings that are smaller."

At an April 5 meeting with staff members and parent leaders, district officials unveiled their plan to add two more kindergarten classrooms to the existing main building. This plan was developed to address two specific needs--the elimination of classroom sharing and the switch to morning-only kindergarten classes. Both situations will require five classrooms, but the school has only three. District Superintendent Don Iglesias said the plan was developed in response to both parents' and teachers' needs.

Prior to this decision, the district explored suggestions from parents to add two kindergarten portables, but the district did not see this as an economically feasible solution, Williams said. Instead the district opted to refurbish the existing multipurpose building and place two new kindergarten classrooms in the main building. The district also plans to add a stage and a sound system and remodel the kitchen in the current multipurpose building.

Mulvany, however, is not convinced this is the right approach, even after having met with school district officials on April 25. He said he believes a new multipurpose space would enhance the school and the community. Besides attracting new students, the space could also be used as a community site for drama and music programs, he said.

Like Mulvany, parent volunteer Mary Schorr is also opposed to the district's plans and is fighting for more playground space. Schorr, who has two children attending the school, said moving the portables from Minnesota Avenue to Lincoln would "eat up" the blacktop space where the children play. She is especially concerned because students might not have a play structure for up to two years once construction starts.

Mulvany added that the present kindergarten location has been a big draw for parents and a huge help in the school's recruiting efforts.

"Parents like the fact that it is separate from the rest of the campus, with its own play yard and redwood grove," he said.

While she understands parents' concerns, Willow Glen Elementary School Principal Dayle D'Anna said she thinks it's a practical move for the school.

"The kindergarten classes will be closer to the new parking lot, rather than way over on the opposite side where there is no drop-off zone," she said. "Now all the kindergarten classes will be together, with two in the main building adjacent to the new playground."

School board Trustee Pam Foley, who represents the Willow Glen area, said she has received "tremendous support" from teachers, administrators and parents who like the layout and plan. Only a few parents expressed concerns about the district process of obtaining community input.

Schorr contends that parents haven't been heard. A major change was made to the prior layout, she said, yet the district kept the April 5 meeting to just an hour. "I was starting to ask some questions when they rushed through it," she said.

"We have valid opinions," Mulvany added. "We're not talking about paint colors. We're talking about really fundamental issues."

Andrea Wheeler, Willow Glen Elementary School's PTA president, would also like to see the district reach out further into the community, since any school changes could affect the busy intersection in downtown Willow Glen. She is in favor of the new design provided the district makes significant improvements to the existing multipurpose building.

"I think there are still legitimate questions that parents have," Wheeler said. "There should be further discussion with the district to make sure all the concerns are addressed."

Willow Glen Elementary School is scheduling a community meeting before the district presents its final design to the school board on May 19.

Schorr is pleased that "communication channels are opening up." She said, "I feel this is our opportunity to do something right. We want to do the best we can with a small campus, and there's no reason to do it hastily."

The final design will be presented to the San Jose Unified's school board at its regularly scheduled May 19 meeting instead of May 5 as originally planned. For additional information, please contact district spokeswoman Karen Fuqua at 408.535.6444.