August 8, 2022
Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Eric Walukiewicz (pronounced wall-oh-kev-itch) shared an overview of the 2022-23 state budget impacts on Los Altos School District. Due to relatively high property tax revenue, LASD is primarily funded by local taxes (e.g. property taxes, parcel taxes). As a community funded district (also known as a Basic Aid district), most of the increase in state education funding will not benefit LASD. The exceptions include:
an increase in the special education base rate
$2.1 million in one-time funding for arts, music, instructional materials and more
$1.1 million in one-time funding for learning recovery
$687,000 in on-going funding for the mandated Expanded Learning Opportunities Program
Mr. Walukiewicz also brought to the board’s attention the lack of relief for CalSTRS/CalPERS rate increases. These staff pension funds are becoming an ever-larger share of district expenses. The last round of rate relief ended after 2021-22, so rates will be increasing by over 2% this budget year.
The board approved joint use agreements with after-school care providers on all 7 elementary school campuses for 2022-23. The goal for next school year is to determine and collect market-rate rent for these facilities.
August 22, 2022
Superintendent Sandra McGonagle was pleased to announce the start of a new school year. After the past two years of pandemic restrictions, schools are bringing back more community building events, field trips, and volunteer opportunities.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Carrie Bosco shared the results of spring reading assessments which indicated significant improvement within each grade level between the start and end of last school year. Claire Griffin served as principal of the Summer Academy, which also saw students make measurable improvements in just 4 short weeks.
Assistant Superintendent Mr. Walukiewicz provided an update on the Universal Meals Program. Despite limited time to prepare, the district successfully completed facility upgrades and hired food service staff. The state and federal reimbursement rates for meals have yet to be announced; an analysis of program expenses can be expected in December. Schools are currently seeking volunteers to assist with crowd control as well as food service.
Lastly, the board approved the Second Addendum to the Agreement Between Los Altos School District and Bullis Charter School for a Two-Year Charter School Facilities Solution. This addendum extends the current facilities agreement until June 30, 2025. Without this extension, BCS would be eligible to submit a new Facilities Request Form on November 1, 2022 as specified by Proposition 39 (passed by voters in 2000).
Stella Kam, Observer