Last week Superintendent Manny Barbara, Oak Grove Elementary School District, presented Assemblymember Joe Coto (D- San Jose) with a Community Service Award for his efforts to assist the school district. 

During the 2006 legislative session, Assemblymember Coto carried legislation for Oak Grove Elementary School District, AB 1895 – Surplus School Property.  The bill provides the school district with some financial flexibility if they sell surplus property.  Existing law requires that funds from the sale of surplus school real property be used specifically for capital outlay or for costs of maintenance of school district property. Because of several years of declining enrollment and limited state funding, Oak Grove had requested special legislation to enable them to use the funds in other ways to help them maintain quality educational programs in the District during difficult financial times.  The legislation was approved by the legislature and signed into law last September.

The Award was presented to the Assemblymember during a special ceremony where the District was recognizing outstanding parent volunteers and key community members.  Superintendent Barbara thanked Assemblymember Coto for giving Oak Grove a once in a life time opportunity which he felt can be of financial benefit to Oak Grove for years to come.