September 6, 2022
The board approved the 2021-22 unaudited actual revenue and expenditures to be submitted to the county. Assistant Superintendent Mr. Walukiewicz explained that the total ending reserves were slightly higher than estimated because some expenditures, such as phone purchases, were postponed to the following fiscal year. He also mentioned that while the district is currently using 5% as the estimated property tax growth rate, the county is currently projecting a 6.75% growth rate.
Superintendent Mrs. McGonagle presented an update on the status of the 10th site. As per the California Environmental Quality Act, Notice of Preparation letters were sent to impacted communities in July. Responses were received from the city of Mountain View, Caltrans, and a representative of Native American tribes. The draft Environmental Impact Report is now underway. The study assumes that the campus will be used for grades TK-8 and will house 900 students to provide the district with maximum flexibility for future use.
September 19, 2022
The board welcomed Kathryn Azevedo, the newly-hired School Linked Services (SLS) coordinator, who gave a presentation on the work that she will be doing for the district. Because funding for the School Linked Services Initiative comes from the County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services department, much of her work will be guided by what the county hopes to achieve. Goals include a streamlined referral process, developing a year-long series on Teen Substance Use in collaboration with the Los Altos Police Department, and creating an assessment guide for parents to identify at-risk students.
Superintendent Mrs. McGonagle presented an overview of the 10th site Community Engagement Process that took place in 2019. The objective was to find a long-term facilities solution with Bullis Charter School, but unfortunately the process was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic before an agreement could be reached. New factors have since been introduced, such as the state mandated universal Pre-K program, declining enrollment making the move to a middle school model more likely, and the Notice of Concern to Bullis Charter School from the Santa Clara County Board of Education. The board asked for an updated demographer’s report as well as an update on Measure N bond funds. They also requested a study session with the community to discuss these new considerations. Board Vice-President Jessica Speiser expressed her intention to keep the community informed as the board reopens this process.
The board also voted unanimously to adopt Resolution #2223-06 To Become Subject to California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA) Procedures. Doing so raises the dollar limits for projects and repairs that need to be formally advertised and bid. This allows the district to conduct maintenance and construction with fewer delays.
Stella Kam, Observer