Portola Valley school district supports interim home for town library Portola Valley school district supports interim home for town library (May 11, 2005)

** Town, school district to draw up agreement for temporary move of town library to Corte Madera School.

By Marjorie Mader

Almanac Staff Writer

The Portola Valley Library may have a temporary home at Corte Madera School if the town and school district agree to a proposed memorandum of understanding.

Trustees of the Portola Valley School District unanimously and enthusiastically gave their support to relocating the library from Town Center to two former kindergarten classrooms on the middle school campus until a new library is built at Town Center. Any problems are solvable, they said.

Their May 4 meeting was the first time the topic was on the school board agenda. Trustees could not take formal action because it was slated for discussion only. They have received many e-mails and letters in support of the move and only one negative response.

Councilman Steve Toben, who gave an update on the library dilemma at the school board meeting, proposed a subcommittee of town and school district representatives meet as soon as possible to draw up a memorandum of understanding about the proposed town-school partnership. (See Mr. Toben's letter to the editor in the Viewpoint section.)

He said this agreement, now being developed, could be presented at the council's meeting on Wednesday, May 11 or May 25. Trustees indicated they would schedule a special meeting to take action because their next meeting is June 8.

Pleased with "the esprit de corps" between the town and school district about the interim library, Bill Lane, a founder and benefactor of the town, stepped forward at the meeting. He said he and his wife Jean would be amenable to make some part of their $1 million gift to the Town Center project, such as interest on the gift, available for the costs of relocating the library, if the town agrees.

"For our rural community, the library takes on an important significance," said Mr. Lane, stressing that its interim location at Corte Madera would further the partnership between the town and school district for the benefit of the community.

He suggested others, including the Friends of the Portola Valley Library, might help fund the move.
Trustees comment

"I can't think of one reason for not doing it," said Trustee Deborah Rappaport of the proposed move.

Any problems, such as parking and avoiding traffic congestion at school pickup time after school, can be worked out, trustees agreed.

Trustee Ray Villareal said he "liked the idea of not charging rent to the town for the space."

He and Trustee Teresa Godfrey pointed out that this is a way the district can thank families and community members who have supported the schools, including by voting for parcel taxes and bond measures.

Tim Hanretty, the district's assistant superintendent, said the two former kindergarten classrooms at Corte Madera, now being used for storage are still in "nice shape," each with restrooms and utility space, and could be easily converted into an interim library. The campus and classrooms meet ADA requirements.

Cost of any modifications or improvements to convert the classrooms to the library and the cost of utilities would be borne by the town, said Mr. Hanretty.

Board President Donna Carano called a partnership between the town and school district a "positive solution."
E-mail Marjorie Mader at mmader@AlmanacNews.com

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