Mountain View Whisman School District

Agenda Item for Board Meeting of 3/6/2025

Agenda Category:  ACTION AND DISCUSSION

Agenda Item Title:  (Discussion) Measure T Projects for Possible Pausing to Finance the Purchase of Land for Staff Housing

Estimated Time: 

Person Responsible:  Rebecca Westover, Ed.D., Chief Business Officer

Background: 

The Board has the option to purchase the land beneath the district’s staff housing building. To facilitate this process, the district will collaborate with the Board, working alongside appraisers, attorneys, and real estate experts to negotiate a fair purchase price. Acquiring the land would provide long-term stability for the staff housing initiative and align with the district’s strategic goals of supporting and retaining educators by ensuring sustainable housing solutions.

Should the Board choose to proceed with the purchase, it will need to determine the best method for funding the acquisition. Various financing options are available, and as discussed during the February 13 Board meeting, a combination of funding sources may be utilized rather than relying on a single approach. Staff has considered multiple avenues, including potential adjustments to existing projects, reallocating available funds, or identifying alternative revenue sources to ensure fiscal responsibility while maintaining commitments to key district initiatives.

At the February 13 Board meeting, staff also heard strong support from the Board and community to maintain the Outdoor Learning Areas project. As a result, that project is not included in tonight’s discussion. The options presented for consideration this evening focus on projects that are either underway and could be paused or those that are in the early planning stages and may be reconsidered based on the district’s evolving priorities. Following tonight’s discussion, staff will return with formal recommendations for a Board vote. It is important to note that altering Measure T projects requires a supermajority vote by the Board, ensuring that any adjustments align with the district’s long-term objectives and commitments to the community.