It is no surprise that the output of the 10th Site Advisory Task Force resulted in the most votes to move Bullis Charter School to the new 10th campus. Why? This was the only option that remained standing after all other options were artificially removed by district staff or the Los Altos School District Board of Trustees directly, or by the artificial constraints placed on the task force.

District staff shared multiple times that they were resistant to operating a neighborhood school or a magnet school at the site. Two-thirds of the task force members were handpicked loyalists chosen by the district, or employed by the district. There was no representation by taxpayers/community members who did not have kids in the district recently. Even the “final” report was written by district staff and paid consultants. The report was never voted on, discussed or reviewed collectively by the task force.

When I joined the Los Altos School District Board of Trustees in 2014, the district and Bullis Charter School had just finalized a five-year agreement to set aside our differences and work toward a mutually beneficial, long-term school facilities solution. Today, we are finally on the cusp of executing that vision. With continued collaboration and transparency, I believe Bullis Charter School and the district can agree on a plan that benefits all local students.

Collaboration

In recent years, our community was relieved that Bullis Charter School and the district chose collaboration instead of lawsuits. With collaboration, the charter school and district schools and students thrived. Together, we passed a bond measure to resolve our school facilities challenges and a parcel tax to support educational programs for all of our students.

The League of Women Voters strongly urges you to vote “no” on Measure C, which would require a vote of the public before most city-owned land could be sold or leased. Based on our analysis, there is no need for this restrictive measure because we are not aware of any instances where the city has sold parks or open-space lands. Leases to provide services and to meet city goals and objectives are routine occurrences in city operations.

As superintendent of the Mountain View Los Altos Union High School District, I sometimes struggle with difficult decisions. I consider all perspectives and opposing views, and seeking fair solutions on tough calls can keep me up at night. You have undoubtedly heard that the MVLA Board of Trustees is considering the installation of stadium lights at Mountain View and Los Altos high schools. The stadium lights discussion is one of those tough calls.

Since relocating to the Bay Area a year ago to serve as CEO of El Camino Hospital, I have come to really enjoy Northern California and exploring the outdoors, golfing and hiking along the coast and in the mountains. I also have had the opportunity to meet many of our local residents in Los Altos, Mountain View and Sunnyvale through community and civic events. It has been a privilege to see and hear firsthand how El Camino Hospital’s commitment to the community’s health has made an impact, and in some cases how we can keep improving.

We have two hospitals, as well as many outpatient services like the Cancer Center, where we see and treat patients, but El Camino Hospital is more than our facilities. Many of our employees were born and raised here, and they dedicate their livelihood to supporting the health and well-being of neighbors like you.

I was 22 when I broke my first world record. It started with an abrupt tap on my shoulder at 10:30 a.m. on a Monday in the heart of corporate America – if corporate America even has a heart.