The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2026-02-26 City Schools Liaison Committee Agenda Packet CITY OF PALO ALTO & PALO ALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT City Schools Liaison Committee Regular Meeting Thursday, February 26, 2026 7:00 PM Community Meeting Room & Hybrid 250 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto City School Liaison Committee meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. The meeting will be broadcast live on Zoom. VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/86280460108) Meeting ID: 862 8046 0108 Phone: 1(699)900-6833 PUBLIC COMMENTS General Public Comment for items not on the agenda will be accepted in person for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. General public comment will be heard for 30 minutes. Additional public comments, if any, will be heard at the end of the agenda. Public comments for agendized items will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an amount of time determined by the Chair. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to city.council@PaloAlto.gov and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your email subject line. Multiple individuals who wish to speak on the same item may designate a spokesperson. Spokespersons must be representing five or more verified individuals who are present either in person or via zoom. Spokespeople will be allowed up to 10 minutes, at the discretion of the presiding officer. Speaking time may be reduced if the presiding officer reduces the speaking time for individual speakers. PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only by email to city.clerk@PaloAlto.gov at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received, the City Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not accepted. Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks, posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting. 1 February 26, 2026 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas. CALL TO ORDER REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS A.Selection of a Chairperson B.Open Forum/Public Communications C.Review of Minutes D.City and School District Reports E.Postvention Engagement F.Future Business ADJOURNMENT 2 February 26, 2026 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas. PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email, teleconference, or by phone. 1.Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@PaloAlto.gov. 2.For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to discussion of the item. 3.Spoken public comments for agendized items using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom-based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully. ◦You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in- browser. If using your browser, make sure you are using a current, up-to-date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the Meeting ID below. ◦You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your turn to speak. ◦When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to speak. ◦When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments. 4.Spoken public comments for agendized items using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted. CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 862-8046-0108 Phone: 1-669-900-6833 Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at (650) 329-2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@PaloAlto.gov. Requests for assistance or accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or service. 3 February 26, 2026 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas. California Government Code §84308, commonly referred to as the "Levine Act," prohibits an elected official of a local government agency from participating in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use if the official received a campaign contribution exceeding $500 from a party or participant, including their agents, to the proceeding within the last 12 months. A “license, permit, or other entitlement for use” includes most land use and planning approvals and the approval of contracts that are not subject to lowest responsible bid procedures and have a value over $50,000. A “party” is a person who files an application for, or is the subject of, a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use. A “participant” is a person who actively supports or opposes a particular decision in a proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use, and has a financial interest in the decision. The Levine Act incorporates the definition of “financial interest” in the Political Reform Act, which encompasses interests in business entities, real property, sources of income, sources of gifts, and personal finances that may be affected by the Council’s actions. If you qualify as a “party” or “participant” to a proceeding, and you have made a campaign contribution to a Council Member exceeding $500 made within the last 12 months, you must disclose the campaign contribution before making your comments. 4 February 26, 2026 Materials submitted after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas. Page 1 of 4 Special Meeting December 11, 2025 Present: City of Palo Alto Representatives Greer Stone, Councilmember (Chair) George Lu, Councilmember Chantal Cotton-Gaines, Deputy City Manager, Staff Liaison Palo Alto Unified School District Representatives Rowena Chiu, Board Member (arrived at 5:16 pm) Alison Kamhi, Board Member Guillermo Lopez, Associate Superintendent, Palo Alto Unified School District Absent: None. CALL TO ORDER Chair Stone called the meeting to order on this date in virtual teleconference at 5:10 p.m. REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS AA1. Informal Meet and Greet with The Jed Foundation Team Chair Stone welcomed members of the JED Team and leadership, noting their visit to Palo Alto and meetings with the City and potentially the School District throughout the week. Chair Stone announced a brief informal meet-and-greet for Committee Members and the public. Public Comment: 1. Ken H. expressed support for The Jed Foundation, welcoming their involvement and emphasizing the need for a more coordinated, collaborative approach to mental health efforts in the City. Chair Stone noted that The Jed Foundation is holding a youth focus group organized with the assistance of YCS and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect with those supporting this work. NO ACTION A. Open Forum/Public Communications Public Comment: City/School Liaison Committee Special Meeting Item C Attachment A - December 11, 2025 Summary Minutes Item C: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 5 of 8 SUMMARY MINUTES Page 2 of 4 Sp. City School Liaison Committee Meeting Summary Minutes: 12/11/2025 1. Ken H. raised concern regarding timing and coordination of potential City and School District funding measures, noting an upcoming City Council discussion on Cubberley and a proposed School District parcel tax anticipated for June. The commentor suggested that coordination between the City and School District may be important given potential voter impact and referenced funding implications for the School District if a City bond measure passes. Chair Stone agreed that the issue would be appropriate for Committee discussion early next year and asked whether the Deputy City Manager could provide any updates on whether related conversations have already taken place. Deputy City Manager Chantal Cotton-Gaines did not have an update but stated she would follow up. NO ACTION B. Approval of Minutes Chair Stone called for a motion to approve the minutes of November 13, 2025. MOTION: Board Member Kahmi moved, seconded by Board Member Chiu, to approve the minutes. MOTION PASSED: 4-0 C. City and District Reports Assistant Superintendent Guillermo Lopez noted the schools are currently focused on end-of-year activities, including play performances and upcoming finals next week. Gunn High School would be having their performances at Paly because of Gunn's theater renovations. Board Member Kamhi added that all 5 School Board Members recently attended the annual California School Boards Association conference in Sacramento with the Superintendent and executive cabinet, participating in several informative panels, which was a valuable experience for the Board. Deputy City Manager Cotton-Gaines encouraged participation from students, parents, and district members in the City’s Library Strategic Plan survey to ensure representative input. It was noted that City Council held public comment on rail grade separation on December 10 and will continue the discussion at its December 15 meeting. Chair Stone requested formal feedback from the School District regarding the rail grade separation design alternatives at Charleston Road, Churchill Avenue, and Meadow Drive, noting that the City Council may select a preferred alternative and advance designs to the 15 percent level at its upcoming meeting. Chair Stone stated that the alternatives could affect Safe Routes to School, Bicycle Boulevards, and school bus access, and that input from the District would assist Council deliberations. Chair Stone thanked staff for the City and District Reports and acknowledged the busy time of year. NO ACTION Item C Attachment A - December 11, 2025 Summary Minutes Item C: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 6 of 8 SUMMARY MINUTES Page 3 of 4 Sp. City School Liaison Committee Meeting Summary Minutes: 12/11/2025 D. General Update on allcove Palo Alto Deputy City Manager Cotton-Gaines reported that County representatives were supposed to attend the meeting virtually but were not present. Deputy City Manager Cotton-Gaines noted that the fully executed letter from the Mayor has been sent to the County Behavioral Health Office and shared with Superintendent Austin. Board Member Chiu asked when the Mayor’s letter was shared, noting a recent discussion with the Superintendent about it. Deputy City Manager Cotton-Gaines stated the letter had been shared the previous day. Councilmember Lu reported that the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Health and Hospital Committee will meet on December 16, with an opportunity for public comment regarding preserving allcove. Councilmember Lu noted the City has requested half funding and was unsure if a funding gap or additional advocacy opportunities remain. Deputy City Manager Cotton-Gaines stated staff would seek a written update if County representatives were unable to join this meeting. Public Comment: None. NO ACTION E. Future Business Deputy City Manager Cotton-Gaines reported that City committee membership typically changes in January and that meeting hosting will alternate to the District next year. Deputy City Manager Cotton-Gaines stated no January meeting is anticipated due to City reorganization. Deputy City Manager Cotton-Gaines noted that this year’s discussions largely focused on youth mental health initiatives and invited Committee Members to suggest topics for the next year’s agenda. Chair Stone suggested a future agenda item to discuss the proposed housing development at 2100 Geng Road, recently unanimously endorsed by the Planning and Transportation Commission and expected to come before City Council next year. Chair Stone expressed concerns about potential impacts on Palo Alto schools, particularly student safety and access from the site located across Highway 101, noting limited bicycle infrastructure. Chair Stone recommended an early discussion with the School District regarding enrollment and transportation safety impacts before the project advances further. Deputy City Manager Cotton-Gaines stated she would continue serving as liaison and noted that District staff would assume clerking responsibilities and a School District Board Member would serve as Chair next year. Board Member Chiu emphasized the need for a candid discussion regarding school enrollment impacts and safe routes to school for students from the proposed development at 2100 Geng Road. Board Member Chiu noted that bicycle safety is a broader issue affecting both transportation and enrollment and should be addressed as part of this discussion. Item C Attachment A - December 11, 2025 Summary Minutes Item C: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 7 of 8 SUMMARY MINUTES Page 4 of 4 Sp. City School Liaison Committee Meeting Summary Minutes: 12/11/2025 Board Member Kamhi echoed concerns about bicycle safety and requested that the topic continue into the next year’s Committee work. Board Member Kamhi suggested revisiting Safe Routes to School, addressing e-bike safety given increased District concerns, and discussing crossing guards as a shared City–District issue. Board Member Kamhi thanked the City for hosting the Committee throughout the year. Councilmember Lu suggested that future discussion topics for the Committee could include coordination of sports fields and reservations, including pickleball and tennis court availability at Mitchell Park. Councilmember Lu noted these issues frequently come before the Council and, although are not a top priority, some coordination could be considered. Chair Stone agreed the suggested topics were valuable, noting strong interest in pickleball courts and the importance of addressing e-bike issues. Chair Stone acknowledged ongoing City frustrations regarding e-bikes and suggested exploring potential collaboration with the School District, including learning from other districts that have regulated e-bikes on campus. Chair Stone thanked Committee Members for their work over the past year, particularly the focus on youth mental health, emphasized the strong collaboration between the City and the School District, and expressed hope for continuity of the Committee and its work in 2026. NO ACTION ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 5:43 p.m. Item C Attachment A - December 11, 2025 Summary Minutes Item C: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 8 of 8