Los Altos School Board, January 2023
January 9, 2023
The Board of Trustees approved an agreement with Santa Clara County to contribute $600,000 toward the affordable housing project located at 231 Grant Avenue in Palo Alto. The district will be allotted 12 units in exchange, ranging in size from studios to 2-bedrooms. Monthly rent will vary based on each resident’s income level and unit type. District employees can qualify to rent one of these units if their household income levels fall within one of two target ranges. Construction is estimated to be completed in late 2024 or early 2025.
The district’s energy consultant, Terra Verde, presented an update regarding solar panel performance. The panels saved the district approximately $200,000 over the 2021-22 fiscal year. Energy usage was higher than projected over this period, which could be due to continued efforts to ventilate classrooms (e.g. keeping doors and windows open while the HVAC system is running). The board expressed interest in terminating the purchase agreement and buying the solar energy system from the developer when that becomes an option.
The Board approved an amendment to the contract with Gelfand Partners Architects to pay for additional surveying and CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) consulting servicesfor the purposes of developing the 10th sitein the amount of $116,199. These services are paid for by the Measure N bond fund.
January 23, 2023
Kathryn Azevedo, the school linked services coordinator, presented an update on school-based mental health services provided by LASD in conjunction with community partners. CHAC (Community Health Awareness Council) currently provides 12 therapists that support the 7 elementary schools, while the 4 therapists at the 2 junior highs are partially funded by a grant from the El Camino Healthcare District. LASD also has 9 school psychologists and 2 academic counselors. Based on the 2022-23 school year, high demand for these services is expected to persist. In order to expand its services, the district could consider partnering with providers offering virtual care, as there are no other in-person, school-based options available at this time.
The Citizens Advisory Committee for Finance (CACF) presented their mid-year report. CACF president Fred Gallagher emphasized that rising inflation and interest rates, along with the housing market slowdown, will have negative impacts on the district budget. He also asked the board to consider a few different scenarios for the parcel tax renewal, including a one-time rate increase to account for inflation. Committee member Peipei Yu acknowledged the need to offer competitive packages to teachers and staff, while warning that doing so will put significant pressure on expenses. In addition, the CalSTRS and CalPERS pension plans are both underfunded and will likely require larger employer contributions in the coming years.
The Board approved an agreement with consulting firm TBWBH Props and Measures to conduct an electoral feasibility study regarding the parcel tax renewal. The firm’s rate is $7000 per month, with additional fees for direct mail.
Lastly, the Board approved the 2023-24 district calendar.
Stella Kam, Observer