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Schools

LASD Aproves an Ad-Hoc Committee With BCS

The school board forms ad-hoc committees to build relationships, and reviews the forecast for the proposed state budget's impact.

The Los Altos School Board met Monday night and agreed to form two ad hoc  committees to discuss matters with the county school board and with the Bullis Charter School. 

Less than a week ago, the state Supreme Court let an October 2011 decision stand in favor of Bullis Charter School, saying that the district failed in providing “reasonably equivalent” facilities for the school. Dozens of parents with children who attend district schools, and community members, packed the boardroom to express concerns about how the court's move will affect the schools.

“I just wanted to remind you guys that it’s important for you all to remember the needs of all 5,000 children in the Los Altos School District and also do your best to preserve the high-performing schools in Los Altos,” said parent Michelle Sturiale.

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Randall Kenyon, assistant superintendent for business services also cautioned the board that governor's proposed budget presents a challenge because it relies on a November ballot initiative to raise taxes. 

Board vice-president Doug Smith brought to the table the idea that the district and BCS could enter into an agreement to discuss matters openly and in a non-binding matter.

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“The existing process focuses almost entirely on the annual facilities request,” said Smith. “The content for that entire process ends up being fodder for litigation. There’s no other way to put it. The concern is that when we are in that situation, the dialogue may well become part of litigation record. We have to be extremely careful how we say things—and that’s not constructive in forming new ideas.” 

Board clerk Tammy Logan said she was concerned about whether or not these discussions would be public. “Whenever possible, I’d prefer to have things open for the public,” Logan said.

Though no decision was made, however, Smith observed that with the current tension levels between the two boards, and within the schools community, discussions may not benefit open, brainstorming sessions. 

New trustee Steve Taglio and Smith were voted onto an ad-hoc committee to discuss facilities and matters with BCS. It is not clear at this point, though, if Smith’s idea nonbinding agreement and discussions will merge with this ad-hoc committee.

Board president Mark Goines and clerk Tammy Logan were selected for an ad-hoc committee to meet with the county school board to discuss relationships and the current Memorandum of Understanding with the charter school.

Randall Kenyon, assistant superintendent for business services, also briefed the board on the possible impact the governor’s proposed budget. The school budget will be uncertain for many months and is dependent on the governor’s getting a tax initiative on the November ballot, then getting it passed. 

Kenyon said in his presentation that failure of the tax proposal would mean mid-year cuts in the district, roughly $1.7 million in cuts. Kenyon said the district needs to plan two scenarios for its budget: One, if the tax initiative passes and one to use if it does not. A preliminary 12/13 budget will be brought to a February meeting. (See the attached PDF).

A special meeting will be held next Monday, January 30 at 6 p.m. Patch will post more on this later in the week.

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