Only hearing of loss of revenue

I have followed the two-year debate regarding a local elementary school in Los Altos Hills after the Los Altos School District (LASD) decided to close Bullis school. It appears that only with the proposed Los Altos Hills redistricting has the Los Altos School District become interested in Hills’ families’ concerns. And why now? I have heard no mention from LASD about a potential diminished quality of education for Los Altos Hills students, but rather only a loss of revenue for LASD.

As a parent of two previous Bullis students, I would say that Bullis was one of the best educational and community experiences we have had as a family. I would expect a vote of previous Bullis parents would confirm an overwhelming preference for reopening Bullis. Given that LASD has shown almost no willingness to respond to Los Altos Hills families, it seems only appropriate for Los Altos Hills to chart what it thinks is best for its residents. If Los Altos Hills feels it can serve its students better than what is being offered by LASD, then they should by all means do so.

When two towns comprise a school district, and all six elementary schools are located in just one of those towns, it is hardly surprising that the other town might choose to create its own school district, or realign with a district it considers more receptive to its interests.

Barry Smith

Los Altos Hills

Let’s look to common good

For the last several years the Los Altos School District (LASD) has been rated the best elementary school system in the entire state of California. In their recent parcel tax campaign, one of Palo Alto’s messages was that they shouldn’t be second to Los Altos. Indeed, we really have a lot to be proud of, particularly the hard work of the parents and the financial support of all the LASD residents, which include most of Los Altos Hills, all of Los Altos and a significant portion of Mountain View.

This enviable school district has come under attack due to the closing in 2003 of the Bullis-Purissima school in Los Altos Hills. Much has happened since that time: filing of lawsuits, formation of a charter school, making of various accusations and the growth of mistrust on all sides.

We certainly do not know enough facts to take a firm position on the issue of that school closing or to take an informed position on many of the resulting issues.

Nevertheless, we sincerely request that both sides of this dispute make the most of the current negotiations to determine whether a mutually acceptable resolution can be reached. Los Altos has long enjoyed a close relationship with Los Altos Hills. They have many joint activities and events.

As emotionally involved as this issue has become, let us all look to the good of our common and individual communities.

Ronald D. Packard,

mayor of Los Altos

Nick Galiotto,

mayor of Mountain View

‘Left wing’ comment absurd, dangerous

I am neither for nor against Gay Pride Day, but I feel compelled to comment on Barrett S. McGrath’s letter to the Town Crier (April 5).

To assert that Los Altos High School has been infiltrated by an “extreme left-wing element” is not only an absurd but dangerous statement.

These kids of a gay sexual orientation merely would like some recognition. This has nothing to do with politics of the left or the right.

What’s next - will someone call them a security risk and unpatriotic?

Susan Krulevitch

Los Altos