Posted by Tax Payer, a resident of the Atherton: West of Alameda neighborhood, on Feb 5, 2013 at 2:32 pm

Why are there 4 elementary school districts serving Menlo Park, Portola Valley and Woodside with a total of 9 Schools?? There seems to be a bond measure every election year to support the schools, but if these four school districts were reduced to one, eliminate 3 administrations, how much money could be saved? More money is not needed, manage the money you have in a more fiduciary manner and eliminate the unneeded administrative overhead. How much are the administrators paid in each of these districts?

Posted by Sir Topham Hatt, a resident of the Menlo Park: University Heights neighborhood, on Feb 7, 2013 at 12:07 pm

With the Basic Aid finding model, the 3 districts outside of Menlo Park City fare better than if they were merged. Financially only Menlo Park City district would want a merger.

Posted by wrong, a resident of the Menlo Park: Menlo Oaks neighborhood, on Feb 7, 2013 at 12:23 pm

Menlo Park CSD is also a basic aid district so it would not benefit. The districts like to run their own fiefdoms, but financially it makes no sense.

Posted by Sir Topham Hatt, a resident of the Menlo Park: University Heights neighborhood, on Feb 7, 2013 at 3:24 pm

Menlo Park CSD is Basic Aid, I agree, but their overall property values are lower than the other three districts. That, combined with district-specific fundraising and property rental income, gives the other district higher spending per pupil averages than Menlo Park CSD.