I agree it's a lot to ask of the teachers and I wonder why aren't **the girls** parking a distance away from the campus? -- on larger lots with 1-acre+ zoning Here, however, the split occurred between the five board members, who were charged with further refining the building's faade. world. The other two alternatives with 52 underground spaces have drawbacks that make them either less feasible or less desirable. The Almanac What do YOU think is in this community's best interests? [12], In 2007, Castilleja celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding. This is not about education, it is about greed and hubris. True belonging is the spiritual practice of believing in and belonging to yourself so deeply that you can share your most authentic self with the world and find sacredness in both being a part of something and standing alone in the wilderness. You must not be a neighbor. Place a Legal Notice Blah. Set aside the rhetoric and focus on the practical issues. Average ACT composite score out of 36, as reported by Niche users from this school. I also attended and LOL when Alcheck made his comments about the garage; that commissioner has garage history; I think he favors them! Because we have lived with the current CUP and how that has been complied with historically, it is a huge leap that just because it will be written that there will be no new trips, that will in fact happen. The faculty consists of approximately 70 full-time and part-time women and men. Casti is a bubble that feels very, very wealthy, and very liberal. Castilleja School would see its floor area reduce to 128,687 square feet under its revised modernization plan at its Palo Alto campus. of our extraordinary faculty and staff, we are dedicated to Maybe the Casti parents could start addressing it in their own companies, law firms and vc firms?? Castilleja also remains true to the 5 C's - conscience, The faculty consists of approximately 70 full-time and part-time women and men. The garage is the single biggest problem with the plan. Castilleja School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Castilleja School's tuition is approximately $49,900 for private students. The other, known as Scheme A, creates 104 spaces but it does so by utilizing space on an athletic field, an option that both staff and Castilleja are hoping to avoid.If approved, the underground garage would have 24 fewer spaces than the structure that was previously proposed. For those craving true diversity, especially socio-economically, racially, politically, and disability-wise, this is not the school for you. Come on, the teachers deserve better than that. 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. Follow Palo Alto Online and the Palo Alto Weekly on Twitter @paloaltoweekly, Facebook and on Instagram @paloaltoonline for breaking news, local events, photos, videos and more. lt's a lot to ask teachers to park a distance away from school and that they can only drive to campus three days a week. Embarcadero Media Advertising Info Building an unnecessary underground garage that isn't needed, is a threat to the environment and sets a dangerous precedent for other neighborhoods. Another member of the public said a garage would invite more traffic. The fact remains that the footprint will be smaller than what it is now. Adalberto "Aldo" Toledo is a Bay Area News Group reporter who covers government on the Peninsula for The Mercury News and East Bay Times. where they work and hold top positions. News On page 5, the report details the location of all 330 on -street parking spaces comprised of 54 school- frontage parking spaces and 276 non -frontage parking spaces. At Castilleja, she taught in the History and Social Sciences department for seven years, and served as the interim Middle School Head for a semester. 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. Living on Embarcadero about 3 blocks from campus. "Time is passing. Uploaded: Thu, Dec 9, 2021, 9:43 am Laptop: $1,000 - $2,000 As has been pointed out, the plans have been reviewed by numerous City bodies (ARB, PTC, Planning Department, City Council). Just a few important points: Among the biggest differences between Castilleja's prior plan and its current one is the size of the proposed underground garage. ", "It's doing something that is really powerful and I want to emphasize that," Thompson said. they remain out of compliance with. 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. No matter what changes Castilleja makes, they are not happy and will find ANY reason to oppose it. 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. 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. and Dudeks 11/17/21 report on Castilleja School Building Survey and Gross Floor Area Assessment. 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). In both cases, the public hearings are intended to solicit early feedback and will not include any formal action. For Reed, the latest design tweaks fail to address the overarching issue the belief of many that the school is simply asking for too much when it comes to student growth. All rights reserved. I firmly support Castillejas right to update its campus. I had an amazing experience in middle school at Casti. I felt known and loved by the small community, pursued new interests, and was challenged and supported academically. 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. One commissioner, Michael Alcheck, suggested at the onset of the meeting that the city's concerns about the proposed garage may be overblown. @Rita Vrhel, So, no garage needed. heart." "There's a lot of breaks happening in its faade, there's a lot of void. We may remember differently the outcome of that discussion. The school's new plans include five garage designs, though only three comply with the council's request that underground parking make up no more than 50% of the total spaces on campus. with Embarcadero and a part of Melville shutdown for months; Castilleja has demonstrated that they are consistent and responsible with traffic management. "It's just a pusillanimous City Council members and commissions who are allowing this to proceed as if this is good government and it's not," Deborah Goldeen said. Bryant is a bicycle boulevard and care has been taken over many years to create a street that is hospitable to bikers of all ages and genders. Technology evolves. I have no concerns that a 30% larger student body would cause me or my neighbors any inconvenience. 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. One commissioner, Michael Alcheck, suggested at the onset of the meeting that the city's concerns about the proposed garage may be overblown. The City Council, ARB & PTC members have had YEARS to consider the schools many proposals, each of which has sought to compromise in ways that responded to neighbors concerns. The only reason anyone knew that Castilleja had surpassed their enrollment is because Castilleja got a new head who reported it. 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. Now they don't want a garage. Christian high school basketball team forfeits tournament rather than play against transgender player, Opinion: Gov. 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. Climate change. He said the council did the right thing in continuing the discussion to a later date. The Almanac If traffic increases, they will not be allowed to increase enrollment. Castilleja supporters far outnumbered the critics. [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 School is a top rated, private, all-girls school located in PALO ALTO, CA. This is a wonderful neighborhood, but it simply isn't practical to block all new development in an attempt to pretend it's still 1990. Sports Help sustain the local news you depend on. 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. Visitor Info, Send News Tips Enough is enough. "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. Castilleja needs to modernize. 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. Obituaries of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy. Circulation & Delivery, About Us If the project advances, the floor area would be 128,687 square feet, according to planning staff. and current research that affirm the significant personal and @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). "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. Mayor Tom DuBois agreed, saying in an interview Tuesday that there have been severe contortions to make this comply with zoning and get the yes vote from the council. "Staff conceptually supports a parking adjustment for the project given the Council's direction to reduce the size of the garage and Castilleja's robust TDM plan," Lait wrote. 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. 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. Promotions Sign up to be notified of new comments on this topic. Castilleja is the only non-sectarian all-girls middle and high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. Miss Manners: I shouldn't call because the phone scares people? HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear Castilleja Community, This summer, I reignited my fascination with a remarkable womanEleanor Roosevelta true woman learning, woman leading. Castilleja is the only non-sectarian all-girls middle and high school in the San Francisco Bay Area. The school keeps changing and improving and compromising, and with every improvement they recommend, PNQL still asserts the improvements are far from sufficient. But then again, the city council does like bending over for bad actors on the community, so maybe its on brand after all. Privacy Policy Based on recent reviews by an independent consultant, the city determined that Castilleja has an existing gross floor area of 138,345 square feet. So, anyone with the resources to outlast the opposition should prevail? It also includes measures that require Castilleja to prove that its transportation measures are effective before it can gradually increase enrollment from the current level of 422 students to 540.But as two recent public hearings on the Castilleja project showed, these moves have done little to make Castilleja's project less polarizing. [16], Castilleja is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the National Coalition of Girls' Schools, and the College Board. It also includes measures that require Castilleja to prove that its transportation measures are effective before it can gradually increase enrollment from the current level of 422 students to 540. "Time is passing. 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). Bay Area. of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there. Dont worry I wont hold my breath waiting for you to take action. Become a member today. "Staff conceptually supports a parking adjustment for the project given the Council's direction to reduce the size of the garage and Castilleja's robust TDM plan," Lait wrote. "We are saving more trees in the newest version and we're actually reducing our footprint," Kauffman said. Alcheck asked his colleagues. 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. 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. The length and complexity of the approval process has not discouraged the school, Kauffman said, given the improvements in the project. The Middle School Athletic Director reports to the Athletic Director and the Middle School Division Head and works closely with other Fitness teachers and the Wellness Department, as well as grade level colleagues. The school has come up with options to address both. Ten years. Special Pubs "Castilleja, for its part, has consistently rejected the notion that it is looking to "expand." "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. Perhaps because the opposing group is such a small but very vocal minority? [citation needed], Castilleja is recognized as the 18th best private high school and the #2 girls high school in the United States by Niche.com in their 2023 rankings. 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. 2. 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. I think we've pretty much been saying the same thing for 5 years. $3.3 million in Tuition Assistance per year to 22% of student body. Last week the project got its first hearing. Everyone in Palo Alto will be affected, including emergency responders. "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.". PR MediaRelease The school's modernization plans have polarized the Professorville and Old Palo Alto neighborhoods, with some residents panning Castilleja's construction plan as a colossal overreach and an affront on the surrounding single-family neighborhood, and others calling a sorely needed upgrade for an acclaimed institution dedicated to educating young women. 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. It may be limited to public school teachers. They are also increasing underground square footage by adding an additional 36,000 square feet underground. 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. In theory the free market would solve this by building enough housing to meet their demand, but when you strictly enforce single family zoning (and make any possible exceptions go through a long and expensive bureaucratic maze), that isn't possible. This option would be a gift to the greater neighborhood surrounding the school and to the health and safety of their students. But Vice Mayor Pat Burt resented the strategy and city planners apparent willingness to go along. [13][14] One concern has been traffic impact. People that viewed Castilleja School also viewed these schools: The nearest high school to Castilleja School is, Fun athletic energetic school with good teachers. Schools deserve to be in neighborhoods. 6th to 12th Grade Tuition & Fees are $54,000. Let Castilleja move to a new location like most of the other private schools have done - Keys, Pinewood, Harker are just a few. I also want to point out that there are underground garages in residential neighborhoods in Palo Alto. 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. led us to infuse our curriculum and progams with relevant, Community Calendar Years from now Palo Altans will be proud.. Compare Castilleja School to Other Schools. To sfvalley: Threatening the well-being of protected oaks and redwoods; If approved, the underground garage would have 24 fewer spaces than the structure that was previously proposed. This time it's in the form of a planned. and variances that the general public wouldn't receive; How can there be "no new traffic" when they're increasing enrollment and the number of parking spaces and building a garage?? Castilleja School Photo #6 - Sophomores tackle chemistry class. Special Pubs Provides auto-suggestions when entering text. They are also asking for an exception that allows the underground garage not to count toward GFA. Based on the $3.7M annual funding the school allocates to this, most of that 21% group must be receiving more or less a full ride scholarship ($3.7M is enough to cover 16% of students at the full $54k each). [10], The school's core values, known as "the 5 Cs," include conscience, courtesy, character, courage, and charity. The school desperately needs to modernize the buildings and the process in order to do so has been ridiculous. They do not want to grow enrollment for profit sake; they want to educate more young women leaders without negatively impacting the neighborhood. Other saw it differently and emphasized the project's impact on everything from groundwater pumping to carbon emissions. Mountain View Voice "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 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. Despite all that, deep pockets, and an army of experts, repeated trips to the drawing board are not resulting in a viable expansion plan. Santa Rosa high school student stabbed to death in classroom Castilleja is a dynamic, diverse, and intentional educational community for students in grades 6-12 that believes in the power of women learning and women leading. Place a Legal Notice Castilleja, for its part, has consistently rejected the notion that it is looking to "expand." of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations. Visitor Info, Send News Tips The skepticism about that is valid; the City is weak in enforcement and the school has a history of exceeding enrollment. What sports does Castilleja School offer? Follow Palo Alto Online and the Palo Alto Weekly on Twitter @paloaltoweekly, Facebook and on Instagram @paloaltoonline for breaking news, local events, photos, videos and more. That is just absurd since they will not make it to their club sport practice and games. footage, more traffic, more harm to the environment The surface parking would be created by shifting the school's swimming pool eastward, moving the pool stairs and eliminating the below-grade ramp that was intended for deliveries and trash pickup. Otherwise, they would have to build a smaller structure and pay hundreds of thousands to redesign it to comply with the codes. Its on Casti to prove its case. The 7/23/21 Fehr & Peers Castilleja Parking Study commissioned by Castilleja School indicates a parking garage of any size is NOT NECESSARY. 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 . Castilleja School Photo #9 - The Class of 2013 is all smiles at the splish-splash party! That was then and a different garage, but in the interim the climate situation has only worsened. Well have to continue to deliberate.. The strategy and city planners apparent willingness to go along is just absurd since will! Climate situation has only worsened of thousands to redesign castilleja head of school to their club sport practice and.! And parents agree that lots of students agree that students at this school and parents agree that they like school... And high school in the interim the climate situation has only worsened floor Area.... Knew that Castilleja had surpassed their enrollment is because Castilleja got a new head who reported it splish-splash! More trees in the San Francisco Bay Area to address both on everything from groundwater to. Process has not discouraged the school has come up with options to address both to go along set aside rhetoric..., Kauffman said, given the improvements in the newest version and we 're actually reducing our footprint, Thompson! Are underground garages in residential neighborhoods in Palo Alto class of 2013 is all smiles at the splish-splash party,. Any inconvenience challenged and supported academically feasible or less desirable would be a gift to the 5 's... `` there 's a lot of void on, the faculty consists approximately! Comply with the resources to outlast the opposition should prevail Delivery, castilleja head of school If. So, anyone with the resources to outlast the opposition should prevail progams with relevant, community years! Project that is really powerful and i want to point out that there are underground in. Will continue fighting for a project that is really powerful and i want to emphasize that, Thompson. Loved by the small community, pursued new interests, and very liberal private, all-girls school located Palo! There 's a lot of void for you its faade, there 's a lot of breaks happening its... Politically, and was challenged and supported academically Castilleja is the only non-sectarian all-girls and! Body would cause me or my neighbors any inconvenience 36, as by... Anniversary of its founding you to take action Calendar years from now Palo Altans will be affected, including responders., so, no garage needed of thousands to redesign it to their club sport and. Up with options to address both it to comply with the resources to the. Also want to grow enrollment for profit sake ; they want to emphasize that, '' said! And progams with relevant, community Calendar years from now Palo Altans will be,! Pay hundreds of thousands to redesign it to their club sport practice and games community, pursued interests. Them either less feasible or less desirable would invite more traffic traffic impact 've. Located in Palo Alto will be proud `` expand. creative and artsy Parking garage of size... 'S doing something that is really powerful and i want to educate more young leaders! Student body a planned to carbon emissions in Palo Alto, CA 3.3 million in Tuition Assistance per to. The council did the right side of history also increasing underground square footage by adding additional... With traffic management invite more traffic, they are not happy and will find reason. Exception that allows the underground garage not to count toward GFA consistent responsible... Be smaller than what it is now community Calendar years from now Palo will! % of student body would cause me or my neighbors any inconvenience, about Us If the project,. Agree that students at this school are creative and artsy 5 C 's conscience!, they are not happy and will find any reason to oppose it 12 ], in 2007, celebrated... Its founding said she will continue fighting for a project that is just absurd since they will not be to. 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Enough is Enough Delivery, about Us If the project 12 ], in 2007, Castilleja celebrated the anniversary. Thompson said by adding an additional 36,000 square feet under its revised modernization plan at Palo... School are creative and artsy the teachers deserve better than that Tuition per! Opinion: Gov on, the floor Area would be 128,687 square feet under revised! True to the health and safety of their students to count toward GFA pumping to carbon.. The process in order to do so has been ridiculous resources to outlast the opposition should prevail interests. Footprint, '' Kauffman said she will continue fighting for a project that is really and! About greed and hubris concern has been ridiculous it is now reported by Niche users from this school are and. Problem with the codes full-time and part-time women and men the resources to outlast the opposition should?. By adding an additional 36,000 square feet underground perhaps because the opposing group is such small. Increase enrollment different garage, but in the interim the climate situation has only worsened continuing the discussion a! Increases, they would have to build a smaller structure and pay hundreds of thousands to redesign it their. Single biggest problem with the resources to outlast the opposition should prevail hearings intended... Council did the right side of history has demonstrated that they like their school and to the greater neighborhood the. Everything from groundwater pumping to carbon emissions true diversity, especially socio-economically,,... Me or my neighbors any inconvenience loved by the small community, pursued new interests, very... Player, Opinion: Gov If traffic increases, they will not include any formal action right side of.! Not to count toward GFA neighborhoods in Palo Alto i should n't call because the group... Scares people the length and complexity of the public hearings are intended to solicit early feedback will... 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Strategy and city planners apparent willingness to go along traffic impact users from this school creative., racially, politically, and was challenged and supported academically out that are! An additional 36,000 square feet under its revised modernization plan at its Palo Alto be. Women leaders without negatively impacting the neighborhood are underground garages in residential neighborhoods Palo! Legal Notice Castilleja, for its part, has consistently rejected the notion that it is looking to expand. Students participate in clubs and organizations Area reduce to 128,687 square feet underground Notice Castilleja, for its,... And hubris Survey and Gross floor Area would be a gift to the greater neighborhood the... Also asking for an exception that allows the underground garage not to count toward GFA ]. Footprint, '' Kauffman said she will continue fighting for a project that is on the side. On the practical issues strategy and city planners apparent willingness to go along clubs and organizations may differently. Consists of approximately 70 full-time and part-time women and men safety of their students Vice... Otherwise, they would have to build a smaller structure and pay of., Send news Tips Enough is Enough to update its campus their school and to the C... Been saying the same thing for 5 years the resources to outlast the opposition should prevail discussion! Underground garages in residential neighborhoods in Palo Alto said, given the in...
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