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III Chris Vargas, Templeton Place, commented that the issue is not the quality of education that is being provided for Los Altos Hills children,the Charter school is about innovation. The Charter School is a County school and is not a part of the Los Altos School District or the Palo Alto Unified School District. Vargas believes that the Charter School offers a near and long term solution to the public education problem confronting Council. The school will bring public education back to the Hills and in the future they can become a part of any new District or configuration. Vargas requested assistance from the Town in finding a site for the Charter school and if their recent offer to the District for a commercial lease for Bullis is rejected,possibly assisting them with negotiations with Los Altos School District for the Bullis site. They would also solicit help from Council if it appears that the District is using Bullis for something other than public education, i.e. quasi uses or a private school. Roger Burnell, Public Education Committee member, explained that Council was being asked to consider a very complicated issue. When the Town was incorporated this very discussion of public education being usurped by another entity had been considered. Burnell believes that the Los Altos School District views Los Altos Hills as a real estate trust and source of funds. In his opinion, decisions being made by the District, at this time, are being driven by budget problems. The Committee conducted an informal real estate survey. Results reflected a loss in property values of approximately 5% in the central area of Town due to the closure of the public school. Eventually this loss in property values impacts funds that are allocated to the school from taxes. The consequences of not having a public school in Los Altos Hills are enormous and far- reaching. CLOSED PUBLIC COMMENT Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Fenwick explained that he is concerned that this issue could become very contentious and divisive. He had not received any complaints about education from his constituents who live in the Palo Alto School District. Fenwick expressed his unease that little attention had been paid to the details and the larger picture. Cost implications, the affect of kids schooling and the disruption of residents' lives have not been considered. Councilmember Kerr thanked the Public Education Committee for their efforts and hard work. He responded to the negative emails Council had received regarding the surveys. It is his contention that even if the survey was conducted again posing different questions, it would result in the same findings and conclusions. Kerr noted that he would like to move forward and take a positive approach to the solution to bring public education back to Los Altos Hills. He believes that the most viable option is for Council to support the Charter School and assist them in finding a site in Town. Mayor Pro Tem O'Malley thanked the public for their input at tonight's meeting noting that it was valuable in assisting Council in their decision making process. He expressed his belief that public education is critical to the Town and a neighborhood school is a very important link. Council has two paths to consider: 1) the Bullis Charter School, and 2) • the Town forming their own school district. He thanked the Public Education Committee 9 City Council Meeting Minutes April 15,2004