CHARLA ROLLAND is one of two African American women school superintendents in San Mateo County. The Las Lomitas District includes portions of Menlo Park, Atherton, Woodside, and Portola Valley. During her eight years there, minority enrollment increased substantially. In an atmosphere of acceptance, all students 9minority, special education and non-resident) are considered “our” students, legitimate members of the Las Lomitas Family. To insure equality of access to education, she has established two important programs. “Outreach” confidentially provides help with finances, transportation, translation and child care, and the “Casa” program pairs adult mentors with students identified as “at risk”. As a member of the Board of the Court-Designated Child Advocates Council, she is an advocate for two minority teen age girls with very troubled backgrounds.
