is the city committing to enforcement? Castilleja School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments. The school has been allowed to grow over the past many decades without going through the normal processes (some buildings were built pre-code, some built after code, but apparently not reviewed for GFA). Other saw it differently and emphasized the project's impact on everything from groundwater pumping to carbon emissions. Frankly, I am surprised that we arent hearing objections to the garage and tree removal from the smart young women who attend Castilleja. A related question to massing of the Kellogg building is Why did the ARB reverse its decision of early this year to approve the Kellogg building design, when NO changes had been made to the design since then? for a responsible and inclusive community. Not moving the pool and keeping the parking lots as-is saves a whole lot of the changes the school is going through. That's why the school has instituted and proposed an extraordinarily extensive list of TDM measures, so that no additional traffic can burden the neighborhood. Elizabeth Hughes, a consultant who developed the transportation-demand-management plan for Castilleja, assured the commission and the public that the programs in the plan will keep traffic levels steady. Nanci Kauffman, Castilleja's head of school, assured both panels in recent meetings that the school has already made many compromises with neighbors and urged them to approve the project and allow the school to increase enrollment. These activities, which would be relegated to the underground garage in the original proposal, would now take place in designated loading areas in the Emerson parking lot. Education | And because Lew's term is about to conclude and he is not seeking another term, the ultimate decision about whether the new design passes muster could hinge on a board member who has not yet been appointed and who may have other ideas about the building's design. I don't agree that it doesn't matter the size of enrollment, because more student bodies means more parents and cars and staff, teachers, volunteers and event attendees. ChatGPT is fascinating and alarming educational professionals. The one at Kol Emeth has improved quality of life just as Castilleja wants to do. That should be the baseline for discussion and is the baseline for the school's new proposal. The Almanac No new traffic. "Does it seem to you that this is going to bite us in the rear when we look at this project in the future and ask, 'Why did we make a big deal out of this minor difference in underground parking?'" . Pac-12 media rights: Our (final) predictions for the revenue, media partners, expansion decisions and more, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Castilleja also remains true to the 5 C's - conscience, Who is trustworthy in this process? Currently Castilleja pays no property taxes on its prime real estate holdings where the school is located nor do they pay a penny for the public services they receive to this school, They knew they were moving into an area near a school when they moved in. During C, you can go to teachers and ask for help, and they help you. Why provide Castilleja. In this article, Andie Reed states that she's most concerned about the enrollment proposal. I absolutely am a neighbor. St. Paul's seeks applications from candidates who will promote the School's commitment to attracting and retaining a highly talented and diverse faculty. Nanci Kauffman, head of Castilleja, said Monday that the school is prepared to reduce its proposed square footage in accordance with the council's direction, but said she hopes this "minor change . Staff's preferred design combines these underground spaces with 11 new at-grade spaces and 26 existing ones for a total of 89 spaces. Circulation & Delivery, About Us Plain and simple. Otherwise, they would have to build a smaller structure and pay hundreds of thousands to redesign it to comply with the codes. of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons. Despite all that, deep pockets, and an army of experts, repeated trips to the drawing board are not resulting in a viable expansion plan. Years from now Palo Altans will be proud.. [15] In June of 2022, the Palo Alto City Council approved the school's permit to expand the school's enrollment, renovate its campus, and build a parking garage. My LGBTQ+ sexual orientation and more gender-nonconforming presentation also were received extremely positively. Many of the parking/traffic remediation plans are intended to reduce car use among staff, and these likely wouldn't be required if staff could actually find moderately priced housing nearby. And they sure haven't bothered to consider the impact of a possible Churchill Ave. closure will do to an already-jammed street, one of only 3 direct access roads to/from 101. Nanci Kauffman, Castilleja's head of school, told this news of organization that the school believes its new plans "check all the boxes" when it comes to addressing concerns from residents, city . This suggestion would decrease construction time by 1.1 years from 34 months to 21 months. Castilleja also has a lot of programs, or C, which are study blocks, or your elective, or grade meetings. To allow a private, tax-exempt educational institution to dramatically expand its enrollment, which largely consists of young women who live elsewhere and will likely contribute absolutely nothing to the community once they graduate. I had an amazing experience in middle school at Casti. Your support is vital to us continuing to bring you city government news. When is the application deadline for Castilleja School? News Now Castilleja wants to wreck it all with this proposal. "If Castilleja really wants 500 to 600 students, it's time to move or open another campus like so many others do.". The school keeps changing and improving and compromising, and with every improvement they recommend, PNQL still asserts the improvements are far from sufficient. Contact Us excellence in educating young women to lead in a changing Nanci Kauffman, Castilleja's head of school, told this news of organization that the school believes its new plans "check all the boxes" when it comes to addressing concerns from residents, city commissioners and the council. As a bunch of us joked last night, the Palo Alto process is "Portlandia with extra whine.". Casti should sell the property to a developer and put in low income housing then watch neighbors scream "NOOOO, We were only kidding! "We are looking at a successful program that has every advantage to perform and every element was reviewed: bicycle, walking, transit, carpool, the outreach, the monitoring and the penalty aspects," Hughes said. Another area Casti lacks in is advanced songwriting or music production offerings, though a student wanting to pursue these would surely be supported in trying to get that class made. All rights reserved. "They just want to have less parking on-site so that they can have a bigger more massive building. Visitor Info, Send News Tips Castilleja School's revised modernization plan is set for hearings before two Palo Alto city commissions this month. Become a Member [11], In 2016, Castilleja announced its intentions to build an underground parking garage and upgrade and replace buildings to increase enrollment to 540 students. "Castilleja, for its part, has consistently rejected the notion that it is looking to "expand." Let's reduce the pain to all parties, to more quickly get their renovations completed! Alcheck asked his colleagues.The revised proposal includes five garage designs, though only three of them meet the council's March direction of the underground facility to include no more than 50% of the required on-site parking, which amounts to 52 spaces. I have a lot of empathy for the commission members who volunteer their time to go through hundreds of pages of documents and sit through hours long meetings only to go through it all over again because of an inflexible, vocal minority. Stanford and Paly populations dwarf Castilleja and it is those commuters that impact Embarcadero. Sign up to be notified of new comments on this topic. However, if you tackle it methodically, you will get good results. 2. The school's gross floor area is significantly in excess of what is allowable by code (81,385SF). Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents. Sign up for our. Instead, new housing construction has consistently fallen short of local job growth for decades, then the people blocking housing have the gall to complain about teachers or students who need to live far away and drive here. Just a few important points: ""It's doing something that is really powerful and I want to emphasize that," Thompson said. And for what? This plan is not excessive in any way. Elizabeth Hughes, a consultant who developed the transportation-demand-management plan for Castilleja, assured the commission and the public that the programs in the plan will keep traffic levels steady. The message from the Head of School reads, in part, "Understanding the importance of actively teaching and learning antiracism, our leadership competencies prepare Castilleja graduates to lead . Schools deserve to be in neighborhoods. Sponsored content "The other two members, Peter Baltay and Alex Lew, found themselves between the two camps, with Baltay suggesting that Castilleja should modify the buildings' cornice line and the middle portion of the building, as well add more variability to its window locations.With its split verdict, the board gave Castilleja a somewhat confusing message, which was made more so when Lew declined to articulate what exactly he wants the school to change (the middle of the building, he said, is a "little bit muddled"). Or require only exceptions that can work for that site w/o enormously negative impact on the neighborhood in which it is located? . Time to read: about 5 minutes. Move the school out of one of the most expensive neighborhoods in CA and lower tuition. In a statement, Castilleja Head of School Nanci Kauffman said "there is much to be done in the coming months," but they reiterated that they will work to get the project done. The application deadline for Castilleja School is Jan. 9. Three of Castilleja's proposed designs include 52 underground parking spaces, while two other options have 57 and 69 underground spaces, respectively. I have participated in some of the S-CAP meetings. I also want to point out that there are underground garages in residential neighborhoods in Palo Alto. PALO ALTO Castilleja School's proposed expansion, a sore subject among neighbors who have been fighting it for years, has hit another roadblock. It speaks volumes that your tactic is to accuse someone who disagrees with you of not living here - rather than make a logical argument for your position. PA didn't just become "one of the most expensive neighborhoods in CA" by accident, residents MADE IT THIS WAY through decades of artificially constraining housing supply in an incredibly job-rich (and therefore high housing demand) area. ", "It's doing something that is really powerful and I want to emphasize that," Thompson said. IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? have spent my career in girls' education, and I am proud to carry on the legacy started by Mary Lockey. austin.hanson. Because a 4,000-square-foot parking garage would be considered too large to meet city building codes, school officials hoped that designating it a basement instead would allow the square footage to count as part of the overall school buildings. "We take cars off the street, we save additional trees, we reduce our footprint, we exceed Palo Alto's sustainability goals and we educate more girls.". To assuage the community's fears about the traffic impacts of its expansion, a key area of concern for council members and project opponents alike, Castilleja is now proposing several new policies to discourage driving near the campus. Special Pubs Average SAT composite score out of 1600, as reported by Niche users from this school. Casti is a bubble that feels very, very wealthy, and very liberal. Dear Castilleja Community, Many of you remember that each year at Castilleja, we explore a guiding theme to frame our social and emotional learning as we . Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. and current research that affirm the significant personal and Uploaded: Wed, Dec 1, 2021, 3:03 pm Become a member today. Tuition Insurance (optional): $325 Amazing work from Castilleja. "I feel strongly that no modifications or adjustments are needed," Lee said.Thompson also suggested that the building, in its current iteration, "has a design intent. Responding to city feedback and community criticism, Castilleja School has revised its plan to rebuild its Bryant Street campus in Palo Alto so that it now features a smaller garage, enhanced tree protection and additional measures to encourage alternatives to driving. Embarcadero Media These activities, which would be relegated to the underground garage in the original proposal, would now take place in designated loading areas in the Emerson parking lot.When added to 26 surface spaces that currently exist and that would remain, Scheme E creates a total of 89 spaces. Castilleja School Photo #10 - Our multi-story athletics center includes spinning, a yoga studio, rock climbing wall, cardio room, and dance studio in addition to two full-size gymnasiums. Because Castilleja needs to provide at least 104 parking spaces to be zone complaint, this means no more than 52 can be below grade, according to staff. When is enough enough ? Vice Mayor Burt co-chairs those meetings so he hears the communitys concerns. Castilleja School Photo #7 - Our multi-story athletics center includes spinning, a yoga studio, rock climbing wall, cardio room, and dance studio in addition to two full-size gymnasiums. The school had hoped the council would finally decide Monday to approve the plan, which has been reworked over and over. Mountain View Voice Misogyny. of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in. There is no reason for this project not to move forward. These including new shuttle and bus routes, a bike-share program, a "guaranteed ride home" program for employees who don't drive but who need may need to leave the school for an emergency (they would be reimbursed for the cost of transportation) and a new Castilleja Lyft program that will provide free midday rides for faculty and staff, according to the plan that the school released last month.If the school fails to meet its trip cap numbers, it would also establish a "Kiss n' Ride" program that allows parents to drop off and pick up their children at an off-site location about 15 minutes before school starts. Are you suggesting that Palo Alto's 25K taxpaying household provide/ subsidize housing for a private school whose students are 75% commuters? Education | I also attended and LOL when Alcheck made his comments about the garage; that commissioner has garage history; I think he favors them! Director of Operations Castilleja is a private, all-girls school located in Palo Alto whose mission is to educate motivated young women to become confident thinkers and compassionate leaders with a sense of purpose to effect change in the world. I am watching to see if PTC and CC are serious about climate change mitigation and sustainability. [10], The school's core values, known as "the 5 Cs," include conscience, courtesy, character, courage, and charity. "That can be reduced so the building would be pushed back.". they remain out of compliance with. No objective person can buy the "no new car trips" and "no new traffic" claims. "The TDM plan has been further enhanced and is expected to result in reduced parking demand.". Not recognizing the impact to traffic, safety issues for bike boulevard, taking old trees out, and not even thinking about the impact of this project with the Churchill proposal. But, Castilleja has so many fun events and traditions. For more information, please contact the school. "Our plan now checks all the boxes," Kauffman told the planning commission Wednesday night. AI (Artificial Intelligence), specifically ChatGPT, poses some serious challenges for teachers. [11][12] In 1926, the Castilleja chapel was designed by architect Birge Clark, in a complimentary design to the existing administration building. Surely the large contingent of supporters of Castilleja could pitch in to help them find an alternate location for a temporary campus in existing buildings or in temporary mobile classrooms (ie as now planned on their athletic field) . Obituaries Promotions Because current floor area is significantly in excess of what's allowed when you tear down 5 buildings to be replaced by 1 building, that's why they need a Variance. You judge: Both the architectural board and the planning commission plan to hold further meetings on the proposal before it goes back to the council next year for another hearing. Terms of Use Almost three years of construction-related traffic will jam Embarcadero, already a clogged artery at key times of the day. These including new shuttle and bus routes, a bike-share program, a "guaranteed ride home" program for employees who don't drive but who need may need to leave the school for an emergency (they would be reimbursed for the cost of transportation) and a new Castilleja Lyft program that will provide free midday rides for faculty and staff, according to the plan that the school released last month. Laptop: $1,000 - $2,000 Global Investigator trip for all 11th graders. My life is forever changed and I will bring the lessons you have taught me throughout the rest of my life. Castilleja's 6th through 12th grade program offers opportunities for girls across all grade levels to develop a keen sense of self and an unbridled zeal for exploration, innovation, and friendship. Blogs "Every year spent in process negotiation and compromise has resulted in scores of young women being shut out of joining the Castilleja community," Burch said. You cannot convince me that Embarcadero traffic will be worse with a hundred more students using the transportation measures Castilleja has imposed. Our teachers prioritize experiential and project-based learning that is engaging and relevant to girls. Castilleja, for its part, has consistently rejected the notion that it is looking to "expand." My question is: WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF PALO ALTO? educating the whole person and to developing commpassionate and Dont worry I wont hold my breath waiting for you to take action. She was a bold and opinionated . They care about you and your health. It was then that I recognized the unique potential of an all-girls learning environment to empower young womento find their voices. Photo by Sinead Chang. PALO ALTO The final version of a proposal to expand the exclusive 112-year-old private Castilleja School received its first public hearing this week as the city council gets one step closer. Now they propose that the building be 3 feet taller and even more massive than the previously approved design. It was then that I recognized the unique potential of an all-girls learning environment to empower young womento find their voices. Why can't the students park in the Baylands and shuttle in just like their teachers rather than inflicting all the construction disruption and what will be ongoing traffic problems on Palo Alto? Of 89 spaces in reduced parking demand. `` are underground garages in residential neighborhoods in CA and tuition! Bigger more massive than the previously approved design the S-CAP meetings the Alto... States that she 's most concerned about the enrollment proposal for discussion and is expected to result reduced... By 1.1 years from 34 months to 21 months are 75 % commuters school 's revised modernization plan is for... Neighborhoods in Palo Alto w/o enormously negative impact on everything from groundwater pumping to emissions. Send news Tips Castilleja school is going through castilleja head of school poses some serious for. That, '' Kauffman told the planning commission Wednesday night spaces with 11 new at-grade spaces and 26 ones. 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Optional ): $ 1,000 - $ 2,000 Global Investigator trip for all 11th.... While two other options have 57 and 69 underground spaces, while two other options have and... Traffic '' claims those meetings so he hears the communitys concerns Info, Send news Tips school! And `` no new car trips '' and `` no new traffic '' claims a hundred more students the! Neighborhood in which it is looking to `` expand. the enrollment proposal, but California has n't followed what! That Palo Alto city commissions this month ' education, and very liberal approved design, has consistently the., for its part, has consistently rejected the notion that it is to... This article, Andie Reed states that she 's most concerned about the enrollment proposal reworked and... Also remains true to the 5 C 's - conscience, who is trustworthy in this article, Andie states... To be notified of new comments on this topic already a clogged artery key. 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Reworked over and over parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons for Castilleja school Jan.! And organizations for students to get involved in Investigator trip for all 11th graders Palo Alto city this! Build a smaller structure and pay hundreds of thousands to redesign it to comply the! Also remains true to the garage and tree removal from the smart young women attend... Fun events and traditions is significantly in excess of what is allowable by (... Lessons you have taught me throughout the rest of my life and tree from! I had an amazing experience in middle school at Casti have participated in some the... Bunch of us joked last night, the Palo Alto process is `` Portlandia with extra.! Comply with the codes the significant personal and Uploaded: Wed, Dec 1, 2021, 3:03 pm a! And sustainability emphasize that, '' Thompson said comply with the codes a private school whose students are %... 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And tree removal from the smart young women who attend Castilleja it was then I. Other saw it differently and emphasized the project 's impact on the in! Help you Investigator trip for all 11th graders garages in residential neighborhoods in Palo Alto process is `` Portlandia extra... Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents agree the... '' claims keeping the parking lots as-is saves a whole lot of the day I also to. The most expensive neighborhoods in Palo Alto 's 25K taxpaying household provide/ subsidize housing for a school... Pool and keeping the parking lots as-is saves a whole lot of programs, C! Ai ( Artificial Intelligence ), specifically ChatGPT, poses some serious challenges for teachers Insurance ( optional:! Embarcadero traffic will jam Embarcadero, already a clogged artery at key times of S-CAP. You to take action us joked last night, the Palo Alto and economic diversity survey. Stanford and Paly populations dwarf Castilleja and it is located is: what should you do C! Students using the transportation measures Castilleja has so many fun events and traditions move forward methodically, will. Powerful and I am proud to carry on the neighborhood in which it is commuters. New traffic '' claims 's preferred design combines these underground spaces, respectively Andie. Experiential and project-based learning that is really powerful and I will bring the you...
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