LASD Board Highlights

During this board meeting, the Los Altos School District Board of Education made decisions that have been more than 20 years in the making, charting a clear path forward for our schools. The challenge has been persistent: how to provide facilities for both LASD's programs and Bullis Charter School, which by law must receive reasonably equivalent facilities. Over the years, the problems have compounded. They include aging portables at Egan (some over 25 years old), overcrowded junior high campuses, and the need to move sixth graders into a middle school model.

In 2019, the district partnered with the City of Mountain View to purchase the San Antonio site, a rare opportunity to acquire a 10th campus. Despite COVID delays, staff continued working behind the scenes to move the planning process along. After hearing from community members and reflecting on years of input, the majority of the Board voted to allocate facilities at the new San Antonio campus to Bullis Charter School when it opens (expected in Fall 2028).While the Board intends for BCS to be the first occupant, the campus will remain a district asset and could be used to meet other needs in the future.

The board also approved the schematic design for a new school which will accommodate

600+ students and has a $117 million budget. The design includes 29 classrooms, a gymnasium, multipurpose room, library, and specialized learning spaces. Construction is set to begin in

May 2026, with an August 2028 target completion date.

This decision reflects extraordinary community input, including a 2019 process that examined 54 different options with robust participation from both LASD and BCS families. Community members at the October meeting uniformly supported the plan. One community member noted that this approach would "help reduce traffic congestion across the district."

Last year, Los Altos School District (LASD) achieved a AAA credit rating, the highest possible distinction for a school district. The district’s strong tax base, prudent financial management, and sound governance all contributed to earning this top rating. LASD’s AAA rating and disciplined approach allow the district to build needed facilities while keeping tax rates stable and interest rates low, which translates into millions of dollars in savings for local taxpayers over the life of the bonds. Every decision, from timing bond sales to maintaining strong reserves, demonstrates the district’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, ensuring taxpayers get the best value for every dollar invested in local schools.

The Board will hear about a proposed AI Philosophy Statement and get a report on the 24-25 CAASPP district data, as well as DIBELS early literacy data.