LASD Passes Budget, Contract With Staff

Written by L.A. Chung 

It's that time of year. As in, the last Los Altos School District board meeting until August. What's a body to do?

Pass a $48.7 million budget, of course, made easier by for some districts Prop. 30 and by rising property tax receipts in Los Altos School District's case. 

In relatively short order, the district listened to a presentation about EdCon, a first-time student conference intended to bring more youthful voices to educational designs at LASD that was held June 13-15. 

Then Assistant Superintendent for Business Randy Kenyon presented the $48.7 million budget, which includes capital expenditures of $1.3 million.

The board then held a public hearing on the proposed 2013-14 budget. There were four people in the audience, including this reporter. Not even the Town Crier reporter was there, wisely surmising that there was little drama left to report in the final board meeting of the 2012-13 school year. No member of the public had anything to say.

The budget passed 5 to 0. 

Board members considered, one more time, the proposed contract with the California School Employees Association, which they had discussed at its June 10 meeting, and had been ready to pass, but wanted to leave another two weeks for public input. It passed, 5 to 0.

The board also approved the job description and salary schedule for a new $115,000-a-year position, director of strategic initiative and community partnerships. It is paid for by a grant and starts July 1.

Finally, the board approved new leases to childcare preschools to replace the expiring ones at Covington, Gardner Bullis and Springer school. President Doug Smith said it was not only a good thing for the families, but the district also got kids who were better prepared for school.

And by 9 p.m., it was done.

Everyone else has surrendered to summer, from parents and teachers who had pulled themselves over the finish line for the year. Now, too, for weary board members and staff, ready for summer vacation.