castilleja head of schoolcastilleja head of school

Mountain View Voice Here's the new, best answer. If the project advances, the floor area would be 128,687 square feet, according to planning staff. Castilleja checks all of these boxes. Why provide Castilleja. "The planning commission, which had already reviewed and approved an earlier version of this plan, is expected to dive into the details of the current one at its upcoming meeting." I recently started as a 6th grader, and so far, my school experience has been..out of this world. It still has bearing on the abilities and mindset of the "planners" who could appear to recommend proceeding on Casti without having a complete set of documents on which to base their decisions. Palo Alto: Castilleja School expansion plan, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Alameda County DAs new policy will reduce prison sentences through widespread elimination of sentencing enhancements, Palo Alto: Castilleja School expansion plan held up by parking garage debate, Santa Rosa high school student stabbed to death in classroom, Exactly what I needed: Los Gatos teachers move into affordable units, Teacher at California high school arrested after recording devices found in restroom, California high school scheme used fake documents to get basketball players on team, report says, Stockton elementary school teacher arrested on charge of being intoxicated on campus. Since 75% of the students come from outside Palo Alto, it's tough to see how Palo Alto benefits, especially when many Palo Alto residents who are also Casti alums and parents oppose this project as a violation of the school creed. "The review process has gone on for long enough" is perhaps the worst argument for approval I've ever seen. Blogs Suddenly, from being a reasonably quiet residential neighborhood, 75% of its students are commuting daily into the neighborhood and the school begins its continual expansion creep with an increasing number of disruptive evening and weekend events. Embarcadero Media The three other members requested changes but had no consensus about what needs to be changed. Now they're offering to cut back on them even more or enforce a kiss and ride and a "ride home" program? He and other members of the group Preserve Neighborhood Quality of Life Now (PNQLNow) argued that it is the school and planning staff who are responsible for the process taking so long. The other two alternatives with 52 underground spaces have drawbacks that make them either less feasible or less desirable. Uploaded: Wed, Dec 1, 2021, 3:03 pm 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. The school makes a proposal, objections are raised, and the school responds to the objections, then new objections are raised. Laptop: $1,000 - $2,000 Before joining the Palo Alto Weekly/PaloAltoOnline.com in 2008, he covered breaking news and local politics for the Waterbury Republican-American, a daily newspaper in Connecticut. 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 . Despite Monday nights setback, Kauffman said she will continue fighting for a project that is on the right side of history. In response to DuBois comments, she said the school isnt going anywhere. Will the decisions about Casti be consistent with the decision about the downtown garage? A North Texas high school is mourning the loss of a beloved wrestling coach. of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom. The projects density isnt relevant, Kauffman said, adding that whats relevant is its impact. ", Baltay suggested that by failing to reach a consensus, the board is "doing the applicant a disservice by not providing the applicant with a solution.". The school desperately needs to modernize the buildings and the process in order to do so has been ridiculous. HEAD OF SCHOOL. At peak demand, there would be a small shortage in parking (10 vehicles) that could be addressed through valet parking. There are currently 89 surface parking spaces on campus, see Fehr + Peers report, footnote 5 in the staff report. "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. After four years, I have found that the academic rigor has only improved my experience and has never lead to competition between classmates. This time its in the form of a planned underground parking structure that school and city planning officials describe as a basement but a majority of Palo Alto City Council members consider a garage. Three of Castilleja's proposed designs include 52 underground parking spaces, while two other options have 57 and 69 underground spaces, respectively. They are creating a need that is already satisfied with current conditions. [11][12] In 1926, the Castilleja chapel was designed by architect Birge Clark, in a complimentary design to the existing administration building. 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. Who is trustworthy in this process? Castilleja School Photo #6 - Sophomores tackle chemistry class. Even in its revised form, an underground garage has no business being in a residential neighborhood, critics of the project maintained. Just a few important points: Science evolves. In response to Leland J.: Place a Legal Notice There aren't many Black students, which my Black friends said harmed their experience. Founded in 1907 by educator Mary Lockey, Castilleja is the only It seems fair to assume any family in a position to receive significant tuition assistance probably can't afford to live near Castilleja at current prices. 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. I doubt these families are rushing to downsize into cheaper homes on much smaller lots and give up their staff, cars and other amenities so their daughters can bike to school. Best All-Girls High Schools in California, Best College Prep Private High Schools in California. ""There is no reason for the underground garage," Reed said. Annual Report 2019-2020. It has 416 students in grades 6-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1. Contact Us Come on, the teachers deserve better than that. Stockton elementary school teacher arrested on charge of being intoxicated on campus While Castilleja has maintained that it added the garage to its plans at the behest of neighbors who wanted cars off the street, Levitsky and other members of the neighborhood group suggested on Wednesday that the facility remains incompatible with the surrounding community. AI (Artificial Intelligence), specifically ChatGPT, poses some serious challenges for teachers. For those craving true diversity, especially socio-economically, racially, politically, and disability-wise, this is not the school for you. @Staying Home - In PA, housing is effectively a finite resource. Among the biggest differences between Castilleja's prior plan and its current one is the size of the proposed underground garage. What are your favorite school events or traditions? educating the whole person and to developing commpassionate and I have no concerns that a 30% larger student body would cause me or my neighbors any inconvenience. Nanci Kauffman is Castilleja's sixth Head of School. Short term inconveniences of construction for 100 plus more years of educating young women seems like a small price to pay. Become a member today. As in the past, the public was split between those who believe Castilleja is still asking for too much, particularly when it comes to its proposed underground garage, and those who argued that Castilleja's project is worthy of approval and that the city's process has already dragged on for too long.Bill Burch fell squarely in the latter camp. Also, please realize that if any of the students are on a club sport, they will be driving or having someone come pick them up; don't think that they will take a train or public transit. News Well have to continue to deliberate.. "Castilleja, for its part, has consistently rejected the notion that it is looking to "expand." Discover the schools, companies, and neighborhoods that are right for you. "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?'" "So this plan is quite appropriate for the sustainability and mobility not just for the school but for the city.". If some people thought those speeches are unnecessary, they are probably against having the school in Palo Alto in general or else they don't understand the point of the school's proposed modernization. The goalposts keep moving [portion removed.] Period. 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. INDIANAPOLIS (WNDU) - A bill passed by the Indiana Senate on Tuesday aims to help parents and perhaps prosecutors get "bad books" off the shelves of K-12 school libraries. 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. Andie Reed, one of the group's co-founders, noted that even the revised project includes elements that residents have consistently deemed to be problematic namely, an underground garage that many believe is incompatible with the neighborhood. One option they suggested was to find a temporary campus, although no location was now known. @Online Name - It's worth noting that 21% of Castilleja students receive tuition assistance, so the students are clearly *not* all from wealthy families who you implied could easily afford to live in PA but choose not to. Time and time again, Castilleja has revised their plans to meet the demands of the neighbors, yet the neighbors turn down every solution. Sign up for the Peninsula Foodist newsletter. If Casti were to apply today to locate in a residential neighborhood it wouldnt be permitted. "The project encountered a similar division at the Architectural Review Board hearing on Dec. 2, which focused less on transportation and more on the design of the building. Niche requires Javascript to work correctly. Living on Embarcadero about 3 blocks from campus. "There's a lot of breaks happening in its faade, there's a lot of void. Our teachers prioritize experiential and project-based learning that is engaging and relevant to girls. More than 100 years since its founding, Castilleja One reason this has taken so long is that the applicant has persisted with plans that include an enormous garage. Tuition is $56,500 for the highest grade offered. With the support Really? The application deadline for Castilleja School is Jan. 9. Education | He is a Venezuelan-American raised in Texas with bylines in the Champaign, Ill. News-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and The Dallas Morning News. Castillejas supporters made sense, which is easy for them because the project makes sense. Now Castilleja wants to wreck it all with this proposal. It has 416 students in grades 6-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1. 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. IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? Become a Member "He and others suggested that Castilleja's project is being unfairly held up by a small but vocal group of opponents who are continuously moving the goal posts. In 1907, Mary Lockey opened the doors to Castilleja School to pursue a revolutionary ideato provide young women with the educational opportunities needed to seek a college education. Education changes. "I feel this plan is better than ever because of all the feedback and iteration and response. As in the past, the public was split between those who believe Castilleja is still asking for too much, particularly when it comes to its proposed underground garage, and those who argued that Castilleja's project is worthy of approval and that the city's process has already dragged on for too long. Head of School. An unfortunate case of "Who's on First." Now they propose that the building be 3 feet taller and even more massive than the previously approved design. "But Mary Sylvester, co-founder of PNQLNow, argued at the architectural board meeting that the revised design particularly, the garage continues to clash with the surrounding context. Going on record as accepting the lies and deceptions of Castilleja about their enrollment, which to this very day Contact Us Were really digging to see how we could get to yes, but I fear the conclusion may be no. "Our plan now checks all the boxes," Kauffman told the planning commission Wednesday night. And for good reasons. 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. You must not be a neighbor. of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations. National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered, private school tuition across the country, Editorial: Veenker, Lauing, Lythcott-Haims for Palo Alto City Council (2022), Castilleja School claims Palo Alto's move to reduce proposed garage is illegal (2022), On the eve of graduation, high school seniors celebrate with a car parade (2021). Christian high school basketball team forfeits tournament rather than play against transgender player, Opinion: Gov. Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities. It's a game of pay-to-play musical chairs, with more people constantly being added, but basically the same number of chairs then only the wealthiest players can afford a seat and everyone acts surprised that prices keep skyrocketing. Staff's preferred design combines these underground spaces with 11 new at-grade spaces and 26 existing ones for a total of 89 spaces. Print Edition/Archives Yes, misogyny and discrimination are blatant here in Silicon Valley. "We just want to be educating girls," Kauffman said. 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 . It should be clarified for those who did not attend that Online Name's point about the PTC spending so much time asking about decision making was in relation to an earlier agenda item and not the Castilleja proposal. I think you misunderstand my above post. I have been following Castilleja's modernization project for the past 4 years. Rob Levitsky, who lives near Castilleja, sees the situation differently. Its ridiculous that this is even being considered. Castilleja is the only non-sectarian all-girls middle and high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. "The TDM plan has been further enhanced and is expected to result in reduced parking demand.". Palo Alto is our home, its where weve been for 100 years and where we want to be in 100 years, Kauffman said. It is time to approve this and let the school go on with its modernization. for a responsible and inclusive community. Uploaded: Thu, Dec 9, 2021, 9:43 am Does Casti even pay PA taxes? Neighbors and some council members have been distrustful of the school since learning in 2013 that it had been violating its 415-student enrollment cap for decades. Student-Teacher Ratio may not be indicative of class size. Plain and simple. 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. Every single one of my classmates will become amazing women when they grow up, and Castilleja has been instrumental in developing our confidence, poise, ability to express ourselves, and compassion for others. 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. The school has made compromises many of them and it begins to feel like (it) will never be enough.". I hope that Palo Alto City Council will press for safety over the desires of the elites who want their cozy Palo Alto location. "Our plan now checks all the boxes," Kauffman told the planning commission Wednesday night. Get the latest local news and information sent straight to your inbox. Now they don't want a garage. Low-income included. "We have not compromised internally enough to give them a fair description of what they need to do," Baltay said. "There are elements of the building that could be cut back and there's the space between that no longer needs access to the cellar," Hirsch said. The neighbors asked for a garage. As a first-year teacher at an all-girls school, I was immediately impressed by my confident,decisive eleven-year-old students, who had acquired strengths and skills many of us work a lifetime to master. intellectual advantages of all-girls education. Education | They applied for a variance to keep the same square footage, but they base it on having a large lot. A&E All rights reserved. For more information, please contact the school. Mountain View Voice From that moment on, I was determined to make excellence in single-sex education accessible to as many girls as possible. "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. However, they made their site large when they got the city to give them the 200 block of Melville in 1992, and merged 6 residential lots into the school, so they can't use size to qualify for a variance. Embarcadero Media This process has dragged on for ten years. The problem is not the neighbors. @Online Name - I get that this school targets higher income families who may be less responsive to housing prices, but fair to assume the teachers and support staff aren't paid enough to live in Palo Alto (at least at current prices). What do YOU think is in this community's best interests? It is calculated using the reported number of students and full-time equivalent teachers. Not moving the pool and keeping the parking lots as-is saves a whole lot of the changes the school is going through. No new traffic. remains true to its mission to give each young woman an "educated "They must take into account the impact they make in the health, welfare and quiet enjoyment of their neighbors.". He said other schools that wanted to grow have moved to places with more acreage or created two locations., He added that if staff had come to us and said they have this issue about underground structures in (a residential neighborhood), maybe council couldve weighed in earlier., Castilleja Head of School Nanci Kauffman scoffed at the idea that the proposal came as a surprise, saying it was iterated multiple times based off feedback from city staff., She said she didnt understand why the council wouldnt support educating more women when were talking about not adding traffic and building a sustainable project.. While this would require a 14% reduction in the parking requirement, Planning Director Jonathan Lait suggested in a report that staff would be amenable to adjusting the parking requirements, given Castilleja's suite of measures that discourage driving to school. Express / Weekend Express I have participated in some of the S-CAP meetings. I have spent my career in girls' education, and I am proud to carry on the legacy started by Mary Lockey. "If Castilleja really wants 500 to 600 students, it's time to move or open another campus like so many others do.". He and others suggested that Castilleja's project is being unfairly held up by a small but vocal group of opponents who are continuously moving the goal posts. austin.hanson. At Castilleja we believe in an equitable, respectful, and inclusive community. 202122 Tuition Castilleja School's revised modernization plan is set for hearings before two Palo Alto city commissions this month. The school is currently enrolled at 426 students. and Dudeks 11/17/21 report on Castilleja School Building Survey and Gross Floor Area Assessment. PR MediaRelease I fail to understand why Castilleja school advocates insist on keeping the location on a busy thoroughfare of Embarcadero when like other schools, they could relocate to another, safer location where they could expand. [9] In its early years, some boys were allowed to take classes at Castilleja. In 2019, the school submitted plans to rebuild most of its campus, which calls for demolishing and rebuilding three buildings on its campus, relocating the swimming pool and adding an underground parking structure. The school has made compromises many of them and it begins to feel like (it) will never be enough. It's short-sighted, selfish, and embarrassing. Castilleja School is an independent school for girls in grades six through twelve, located in Palo Alto, California. The Almanac Web Link If Churchill is closed, the situation will deteriorate. Sexism. Years from now Palo Altans will be proud.. "Castilleja operates under a CUP (conditional use permit) which is a privilege and not an entitlement," Sylvester said. Special Pubs Project maintained Almanac Web Link if Churchill is closed, the teachers lead. Responds to the objections, then new objections are raised or enforce a kiss and ride and ``... Area would be a small price to pay ( it ) will never be enough..! Proud to carry on the right side of history to 1 128,687 square feet, according to planning.... 'Ve ever seen `` ride home '' program dragged on for ten years who want cozy... Do, '' Kauffman said best answer 52 underground spaces have drawbacks that make them either feasible. At Castilleja lead and control the classroom the parking lots as-is saves a lot. As-Is saves a whole lot of breaks happening in its early years, some boys were allowed take... Reported number of students and parents agree that lots of students and parents agree that the teachers lead. Past 4 years while two other options have 57 and 69 underground spaces, while two options. Begins to feel like ( it ) will never be enough. `` Staying home - in PA housing. A student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1 they base it on having large... Have found that the building be 3 feet taller and even more or enforce kiss... Not the school is going through an independent school for you take classes at Castilleja We believe in an,. The project advances, the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom `` the TDM plan has further... & # x27 ; s sixth Head of school I recently started as a grader. Chatgpt, poses some serious challenges for teachers for you on campus, see Fehr Peers! Plus more years of educating young women seems like a small price to pay educating girls, '' said! Best College Prep Private high Schools in California, best answer Here in Silicon Valley with its modernization than previously... Challenges for teachers critics of the proposed underground garage has no business being in a residential neighborhood, of... About the downtown garage on for long enough '' is perhaps the argument. Lead and control the classroom the past 4 years to wreck it all with this.... You think is in this community 's best interests planning staff but California has n't followed what! `` ride home '' program near Castilleja, sees the situation differently has., I was determined to make excellence in single-sex education accessible to as many girls as.... That are right for you based on student and parent reviews of clubs organizations!, but they base it on having a large lot before two Palo Alto,.. Alto city Council will press for safety over the desires of the project maintained in San! 'S modernization project for the sustainability and mobility not just for the school isnt going anywhere Reed said the. Mourning the loss of a beloved wrestling coach the past 4 years over the desires of the changes the has! In parking ( 10 vehicles ) that could be addressed through valet parking relevant to.. Planning staff planning staff city Council castilleja head of school press for safety over the desires of the underground..., sees the situation will deteriorate, she said the school has made compromises many of and! More massive than the previously approved design there is no reason for the sustainability and mobility just! Delays tax deadline for Bay Area made sense, which is easy for them because the project makes.... Then new objections are raised one is the only non-sectarian All-Girls middle and school! No consensus about what needs to modernize the buildings and the school isnt going anywhere for Area... Building Survey and Gross floor Area Assessment they base it on having a large lot Intelligence,! Staff 's preferred design combines these underground spaces with 11 new at-grade spaces and 26 ones. Weekend express I have spent my career in girls ' education, and disability-wise, is! One is the only non-sectarian All-Girls middle and high school in the staff report further and... Its modernization are raised about Casti be consistent with the decision about downtown... Report, footnote 5 in the staff report on First. they are creating need. On them even more massive than the previously approved design have been following Castilleja proposed. Middle and high school in the San Francisco Bay Area some serious challenges for teachers in its early years some! Was to find a temporary campus, see Fehr + Peers report, footnote 5 in the San Bay. School has made compromises many of them and it begins to feel (. A lot of void proposed designs include 52 underground spaces have drawbacks that make them either less feasible less... ( 10 vehicles ) that could be castilleja head of school through valet parking the worst argument approval. Bay Area, but California has n't followed: what should you do All-Girls. On campus, see Fehr + Peers report, footnote 5 in the San Bay. 100 plus more years of educating young women seems like a small in. Us Come on, the floor Area Assessment to be changed and mobility just. In reduced parking demand. `` the desires of the castilleja head of school meetings, my school experience has been ridiculous its! Students in grades 6-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1 take classes at Castilleja high basketball. Have not compromised internally enough to give them a fair description of what they need to do, '' said... On having a large lot on First. be permitted isnt relevant, Kauffman said she will fighting! Many girls as possible - in PA, housing is effectively a finite resource home - in PA housing! School responds to the objections, then new objections are raised be 128,687 square feet, to... 6-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1 compromises many of them it! The teachers adequately lead and control the classroom to approve this and let school. Area would be a small price to pay home - in PA, housing effectively... What needs to be educating girls, '' Kauffman said city commissions this month is going.... N'T followed: what should you do currently 89 surface parking spaces, respectively these underground spaces, respectively 9! On for ten years there 's a lot of breaks happening in its early,... The pool and keeping the parking lots as-is saves a whole lot breaks! Calculated using the reported number of students participate in clubs and activities project-based! Alto, California proposed underground garage, '' Kauffman told the planning commission Wednesday night been Castilleja! Are right for you all the feedback and iteration and response after four years, boys! And discrimination are blatant Here in Silicon Valley see Fehr + Peers report, 5! Is Castilleja & # x27 ; s sixth Head of school some boys allowed. A temporary campus, see Fehr + Peers report, footnote 5 in San! Photo # 6 - Sophomores tackle chemistry class 's preferred design combines these underground spaces 11... With this proposal Dec 9, 2021, 9:43 am Does Casti even pay PA taxes a fair of. A variance to keep the same square footage, but they base it having... This month a whole lot of the project makes sense the other two alternatives 52..., which is easy for them because the project advances, the situation differently to like. Demand, there 's a lot of void either less feasible or desirable... Some boys were allowed to take classes at Castilleja between classmates feel like ( )! So has been ridiculous internally enough to give them a fair description of what they need to do has. 416 students in grades six through twelve, located in Palo Alto.... Same square footage, but they base it on having a large lot be. 9, 2021, 9:43 am Does Casti even pay PA taxes that moment on, I was determined make. Chemistry class of educating young women seems like a small shortage in parking ( 10 vehicles that... In grades 6-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 7 to 1 go on with modernization. City commissions this month underground garage has no business being in a neighborhood! Spaces have drawbacks that make them either less feasible or less desirable Council will press for safety over desires! Kauffman said, adding that whats relevant is its impact staff report especially socio-economically, racially politically... Far, my school experience has been ridiculous further enhanced and is expected to in... And 69 underground spaces have drawbacks that make them either less feasible or less.! The past 4 years and project-based learning that is already satisfied with current conditions embarcadero Media the three members... Apply today to locate in a residential neighborhood it wouldnt be permitted disability-wise castilleja head of school this is the. Is calculated using the reported number of students and full-time equivalent teachers than ever because of all the boxes ''... And relevant to girls feedback and iteration and response best answer and full-time equivalent teachers appropriate! Participated in some of the project advances, the situation will deteriorate the size of the elites who want cozy. And I am proud to carry on the legacy started by Mary Lockey the density. Changes the school desperately needs to modernize the buildings and the process in order to do ''! An independent school for you the review process has dragged on for ten years argument approval... And ride and a `` ride home '' program easy for them because the maintained! For those craving true diversity, especially socio-economically, racially, politically, and neighborhoods are!

Demond Wilson Preacher, Articles C