Los Altos School Board, January 2024
January 8, 2024
Mr. Drummond, Director of Teaching and Learning, presented state testing results from the 2022-23 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). The percentage of Los Altos School District students that met or exceeded expectations was measured at 84.1% in math, 84.8% in language arts, and 79.8% in science, far surpassing state averages of 34.6%, 46.7%, and 30.2% respectively. District results for each subject held steady within 1% of the prior year. Although certain subgroups performed at levels below the district average, they still outperformed their statewide counterparts. The district is working to improve the educational experience and academic performance of these groups (English Learners, Hispanic, Economically Disadvantaged, Students with Disabilities).
Ms. Gerlinger, Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction, updated the board on how the district is working to promote classroom environments filled with safety and belonging. This year, teachers in grades TK-6 began reading aloud from books curated by Learning for Justice. The “readalouds” led to meaningful discussions with students about identity, diversity, justice and action (collectively known as IDJA). Teachers are reporting the effectiveness of the curated books in conjunction with the Learning for Justice Anti-Bias Framework. They are also asking for more training and professional development to promote cultural awareness and affirmation.
Terra Verde, the district’s energy consultants, shared an overview of their annual Solar Performance Report. In total, the district saved a little over half a million dollars from its solar power purchasing agreement. For unknown reasons, energy usage at 8 out of 9 school sites is significantly higher than initially estimated, about 44% above the pre-project baseline in aggregate.
The board voted unanimously to approve a contract with TeamCivX to explore funding options for facility modernization. While the district recently succeeded in passing Measure A to renew the expiring parcel tax, those funds cannot be spent on facilities upgrades or new construction. To fund those expenses, the district would first need to raise money from a bond measure.
The trustees also approved the 2024-2025 Academic Calendar, which be found using this link: Calendar.
January 22, 2024
The Citizens Advisory Committee for Finance (CACF) presented their mid-year report. The district’s current state of deficit spending is unsustainable and will quickly eat up reserves if unabated. Since property tax growth is expected to be lower in the upcoming years, cutting expenses will be necessary. The committee also advised the district to develop a funding plan for construction on the 10th site along with capital improvements on existing facilities.
Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Mr. Walukiewicz, shared key dates in the 10th site environmental protection process as regulated by the California Environment Quality Act (CEQA). The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be available for public review from March 15 – April 29, 2024. During this 45 day period, the public is welcome to submit their comments regarding the report. Once the final report is issued, another review period will be available from July 1 – July 22, 2024. The district has already submitted Request for Quotes from contractors and expects to select one to develop the 10th site in March.
The trustees generated agenda topics for their upcoming meeting with the Los Altos City Council. These include safe routes to school and how areas recently zoned for affordable housing developments could impact student density at each school site.
Stella Kam, Observer