By Traci Newell
 Joe Hu/Town Crier LASD architect Lisa Gelfand discusses plans with the Bullis site design committee. |
The Los Altos School District continues on its path toward reopening Bullis-Purissima Elementary School by organizing design and construction oversight committees, which will play integral roles in planning the first stages of the renovation.
The design committee has met several times with district architect Lisa Gelfand of Gelfand Partners Architects. The committee includes teachers, parents, community members, Los Altos Hills neighbors, board members and district staff.
“It’s been great to have the collaboration and then get ideas from all the different standpoints,” said Superintendent Tim Justus. “It has been a great group with an open mind.”
Justus said the group reviewed the proposed site plan and determined where buildings should be situated and how to correct the drainage on campus to prevent seasonal flooding.
Next they will discuss the interior features of the classrooms, such as cabinets, shelving and lights, Justus said. The committee will work with the town of Los Altos Hills and youth organizations for field and recreation space renovations.
“I think the design committee is looking at features and facilities needed to provide the programs we offer,” Justus said.
The district has reorganized the construction oversight committee. Justus said the committee would monitor compliance with the timeline and the budget during construction.
“The construction oversight committee is more hands-on to make sure we have an efficient project completed within budget and on time,” Justus said. “They really take on the role of an advisory group.”
The construction oversight committee met for its first time Monday, past press deadline.
Construction oversight committee
Kim Graham - Committee chairman; project
manager for several biotech companies
Gary Walz - Vice chairman; vice president for
major construction company
Stephanie Moore - Project manager
John Beman - Independent contractor/consultant
Al Hill - Partner in development company
Bullis site design committee
Pam Loebner - K-teacher, Bullis
Laura Bence - Principal, Bullis
Lynda Hickey - School admin., Bullis
Marlene Shafran - LASD
Tim Justus - Superintendent, LASD
Randy Kenyon - Business manager, LASD
Linda Eckols - Principal, Loyola
Maureen Lane - 3rd-grade teacher, Santa Rita
Joe McCreary - 6th-grade teacher, Covington
David Pefley - Parent, neighbor, board trustee
Bill Cooper - Parent, board trustee
Julie Arnheim - Parent
Dede Huffman - Parent, neighbor
Bob Johnson - Former Los Altos Hills Mayor
Breene Kerr - Neighbor, LAH city councilman
Lisa Gelfand - Gelfand Partners Architects
Larry Schadt - Gelfand Partners Architects
Jennifer Kim - Gelfand Partners Architects
