06/19/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Peter Evans reported that in the late 1940's the Los Altos School District had one school, San Antonio School with a student population of approximately 1,000. At that time, the District embraced the "neighborhood school" approach to education and established 3 new schools in Los Altos and one school in Los Altos Hills. By 1959, there were 11 new schools in Los Altos but no additional schools were built in Los Altos Hills. Approximately 600 students from Los Altos Hills were being bused to schools in Los Altos. Eventually four schools were constructed in Los Altos Hills and today with the closure of Bullis School, history is repeating itself. The Town once again has no public school. John Swan explained that he was before Council tonight to ask their assistance in exploring the different options to bring public schools back to Los Altos Hills. He described the public schools as " the heart of the community" and now the Town is "without a heart." Swan asked Council to consider forming an Ad-Hoc Committee with seven members to oversee this task. He added that time is of the essence. OPENED PUBLIC COMMENT Alexander Atkins, 26990 Orchard Hill, member of the Charter School Foundation addressed Council. He noted that the two groups addressing Council this evening are different but both have the same intent — bringing a public school to Los Altos Hills. Atkins explained that the School District has been very contentious during the closure process of Bullis School. He expressed his belief that public education has become a national problem and suggested several books for Council to read on the subject including "The Worm and the Apple". CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Councilmember Fenwick, in response to the request from John Swan to form an Ad-Hoc Committee, commented that in his opinion this was beyond the scope of the City Council. Fenwick added that he did not have the sense of support from his constituents for the action being recommended by Mr. Swan for the Town to form a school district. His neighbors are served by the Palo Alto School District and are very happy with the education they are receiving. Mayor Pro Tem O'Malley voiced his disappointment that there is no longer a public school in Los Altos Hills. The pathway system was established to permit children to walk to school and now we are a community of approximately 8,000 residents without a school. O'Malley added that he supports the request of the group to have Council form a committee and to fund them. He considers a community school an important asset to Los Altos Hills. Councilmember Kerr stated that he believes the proposal before Council calls for the formation of a Committee. He hoped it would be formed with a good representative balance from all areas within the Town. Council is not voting on the establishment of a charter school or forming a school district but voting on forming a committee to investigate bringing schools back to Town. 9 City Council Meeting Minutes June 19,2003