School district representatives invited parents to apply to serve on the foreign language in elementary schools (FLES) committee this week.

The committee will draft an implementation study of bringing foreign languages to elementary schools and make recommendations next spring.

An open attitude is more important than academic credentials, Superintendent Kevin Skelly said.

"We're looking for folks that can be appropriate jurors -- and are flexible in their thinking," Skelly said. He will work with educational services staff to select three to four parents.

Committee membership will require an Oct. 15 orientation and full-day sessions on Nov. 9 and Nov. 29, plus further meetings as necessary, according to a newsletter e-mailed to parents.

"We need to look at what is the cost, how it fits with our current program, and how it impacts our teaching time," said Becki Cohn-Vargas, director of elementary education, who will be on the committee.

The group will look at programs in other districts and recommend one that best fits Palo Alto Unified School District, she said.

Parents interested in serving on the committee can submit a letter detailing their skills, qualities and background to Associate Superintendent Marilyn Cook by Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. Applications can be dropped off at the Educational Services office or e-mailed to [email protected]

Skelly and staff will select three to four applicants by Oct. 11.

Non-parent members will include elementary, middle and high school teachers as well as administrators.