Los Altos School Board, February 2023
February 6, 2023
Chris Hazelton, President of the Los Altos Teachers Association (LATA), as well as five other LATA members addressed the board of trustees asking for increased compensation in next round of negotiations to make LASD more competitive with neighboring districts. Elena Shea also spoke on behalf of the California School Employees Association. The board room was full of teachers and staff who attended in support of the speakers.
Mr. Walukiewicz shared the impact of the Governor’s 2023-24 state budget proposal. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will increase to 8.16% rather than 5.38% as estimated, which means the annual transfer to Bullis Charter School will be $250,000 higher than expected. Special education will also receive approximately $150,000 more than budgeted in state funding. Proposition 28 was passed by voters in 2022, which guarantees about $1 billion for arts and music in public schools statewide. As a result, there will be a $1.2 billion reduction in the one-time block grant for arts and music that was previously included in the state budget package. LASD should now expect about $1 million less in funding from the one-time grant. The employer contribution rates for the CalSTRS and CalPERS retirement plans will also increase by about 2% each to 19.10% and 27.00% respectively.
LASD revenue sources currently include two parcel taxes – a portion that was made permanent in 2006, and a supplemental tax from 2016 that is set to expire in 2025. The board approved an agreement with EMC Research to conduct public opinion surveys regarding a possible parcel tax renewal. The consulting services from EMC Research will cost up to $37,500.
Stella Kam, Observer