LETTER: Could We Create A New Kind of School North of El Camino?

Dear Los Altos, Mountain View, Los Altos Hills and Surrounding Community,

We have been struggling to find a solution to the division caused by our limited elementary school facilities in this community for far too long.  Over the years, many people have tried to look for solutions, but recently thinking has evolved beyond the idea that every school needs to be single story on a 10-acre parcel. The situation has opened eyes to other ideas.

In parallel, the City of Mountain View is booming and growing substantially in the San Antonio area. Superintendent (Jeff) Baier's Task Force on Enrollment Growth has concluded that our student population will continue to increase and more space will be needed. All of our public schools are an important part of the community.

As many have repeatedly stated, our the residents here are wildly creative and have significant resources. What if we could work cooperatively with a San Antonio area developer to design an urban-style magnet or charter school, housing and commercial center with density higher than the Mountain View general plan? 

Would there be tax benefits available to such a visionary land owner? Would such a plan appeal to young and urbane young technical leaders and increase the value of the community overall? I can envision roof top gardens, modern, but warm design, perhaps a theater that can serve both a school and evening events, shared meeting facilities, and any number of other carefully planned uses. 

Could we leverage funding from multiple sources? What if the Bullis Charter School and the Los Altos School District funneled even half of expected legal fees into a down payment on a plan? What if some of our extremely successful community members added a significant amount to the fund? What if some of Mountain View's accumulated park development funds could be used?

If we were unrestrained in working together, would others find reason to fund the remaining cost through a new bond?

As a school board member, I find that my level of hope for such a solution swings wildly, based upon the problem of the moment. However, a community-building solution is possible. It will require all parties: school parents, board members, non-parents, and city councils to truly desire a change. 

I am ready for this to begin now.

Tamara Logan

Trustee, Los Altos School District