April 3, 2023
The board voted unanimously to approve the collective bargaining agreement between the district and the Los Altos Teachers Association. The new 3-year agreement gives teachers an immediate 6% raise (retroactive to the start of the fiscal year, which was July 1, 2022) followed by another 6% raise effective July 1, 2023. Additional compensation could be granted if property tax growth exceeds 6% or if the district receives unrestricted, one-time funding from the Federal or State governments. These raises will impact the district’s reserves, but other districts in the county have issued similar raises, and the district must offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain high quality teachers.
EMC Research presented polling results from their survey regarding a possible parcel tax renewal. The survey asked respondents whether they would vote to renew the expiring tax at $223 per parcel plus a one-time increase of $72, with annual adjustments for inflation and permanent status until ended by voters. The polling results indicate that there is sufficient community support to attempt a parcel tax renewal this year. The district would need to apply for a special election by August 11 if they would like voters to decide in November. Jeremy Hausner from TeamCivX advised that voters are more likely to support the renewal if they understand the benefits: parcel taxes pay for teacher salaries, core academics, and neighborhood schools.
The board approved a contract with CHAC (Community Health Awareness Council) for next school year which will see a reduction in staffing in response to diminished student needs, saving nearly $150,000. The district will continue to provide school-based services to treat conditions that impact a student’s ability to learn. Kathryn Acevedo, the school-linked services coordinator, will link students with outside resources that can provide additional support and treatment.
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Mr. Walukiewicz, presented different construction options for the new school on the 10th site. Stick-built (fully customized) construction would be the most expensive option with the longest timeline, while prefabricated and modular options could save the district significant time and money. The board requested a special study session in May to explore these options further.
Lastly, the board approved a 2-year lease agreement with Community Services Agency (CSA) at the site of the former JoAnn’s Fabrics. Santa Clara County is no longer using the site as a vaccination clinic. CSA will use the space to provide nutrition, homeless prevention, and senior services to both the Los Altos and Mountain View communities. The school district will charge a nominal $1 per year.
Stella Kam, Observer