The following article was originally printed on July 31, 20015 in Silicon Valley Business Journal’s Redefining What it Means to be a Silicon Valley City Advertising Supplement on page 12.

Dr. Morris recently met up with a former student on Facebook’s campus and noticed something interesting. There were no pencils or books at people’s desktops. This realization sparked a nagging question for the leader of one of Silicon Valley’s highest achieving school districts — “Are we preparing our kids for the jobs of the future?”

This kind of introspection reflects district leadership that is keenly aware of its surroundings, and is serious about its role in shaping young lives. And it’s not just about the grades. Although Fremont schools are known for stellar test scores, the district is especially proud of its strong commitment to service learning, giving back, and “raising kids that are decent human beings”.

When this philosophy is blended with an innovation agenda, FUSD’s value proposition is hard to beat. Parents support a large variety of enrichment activities, ranging from robotics to athletics. All elementary schools have science labs, and certified specialists who teach science. “Teachers understand they are raising innovators who think differently,” said Dr. Morris.

One place where innovation will be on full display is in South Fremont’s Warm Springs District. A unique public/private partnership with three housing developers adjacent to the new BART station will allow FUSDto build its first new school in 27 years. “This school is bringing together the staff and the community to do something great,” said Dr. Morris. The multi-level campus will be designed around a library/media lab, and will include a joint-use city/school park, making it the hub of the community. “Imagine providing directions to your school at the corner of Innovation Way and Education Avenue,” laughs Dr. Morris.

As conversations take place surrounding the district-wide effort to make Fremont a national leader in “MakerEducation”, there’s no doubt that Fremont’s K-12 students reside at an enviable intersection.