Parents share concerns after Gate applications dip

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. A lottery used to help parents get their children into GATE classes at Washington Elementary School in Santa Barbara, but parents were notified this week that only 11 incoming third graders signed up.

The district said 11 is not enough for a complete class.

Parents, who fought to keep the program last year, wonder if a lack of communication with new parents hurt the number of children applying to join the gifted program.

Laurie Dahl said, "GATE has given my daughter a renewed interest in school and the ability to learn."

She doesn't want to lose the only full GATE classrooms in the district.

Washington School officials said a cluster program like the ones used at other schools is an option for incoming third graders.

Some parents said they plan to keep on fighting for GATE classes in Santa Barbara Elementary Schools.