Achieving and Maintaining Consistent Levels of Academic Achievement Through the Family Core Values Model

Aaron Buhler

St. David credits family model for student success

Aaron Buhler, vice president of the board of St. David Unified, attributes the district’s high levels of student success to its family core values model. St. David has approximately 440 students K-12; median household income in 2011 was $30,840. St. David families, Mr. Buhler said, are rich in family heritage, patriotism, religion and service. Based on the fundamental belief in strong families as the Number One indicator of student success, the district’s family model includes family councils to discuss priorities and schedule activities, limiting activities to allow for family time and specifying tech-free time to encourage conversation, interaction and relationship development. Mr. Buhler expressed beliefs that starting education too early – meaning full-day kindergarten – is detrimental because children need free time to play, and that additional school days pose a threat to time for families to be together in meaningful ways, which he said is critically important to student academic development.

The St. David district began its family engagement process by gathering stakeholders over a three-year process. Together they articulated seven core values, with strong families at the top of the list. Values include community involvement, integrity of character and fiscal responsibility. All decisions are based on the core values, so that practices match beliefs. The schools keep Monday nights free of student activities to allow for family night, and activities end early on Wednesdays for family time. Bus schedules are designed to get students home as early as possible. Fall and spring breaks are planned two years in advance so families can plan accordingly. The district also works with the seminary schedule of the Church of Latter Day Saints. The district offers optional half-day kindergarten and free Love and Logic parenting classes with a certified instructor and free childcare.

Mr. Buhler stressed the importance of taking time to meet with stakeholders, in order to identify needs and determine how to best enable family time.

ASPRA Reporter Monique Soria, retired PR director