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Oak Knoll principal up for new role
The Menlo Park City School District (MPCSD) governing board will vote during its March 25 meeting on whether to appoint Oak Knoll School Principal Kristen Gracia for the district’s new role of assistant superintendent for talent and technology, according to a March 12 press release.
The board approved the creation of the position earlier this year as part of its overall long-term financial stability strategy, according to the district, and will pay between $155,529 and $204,011, plus car allowance. The new job consolidates the roles of two directors that will be open at the end of the year.
“Ms. Gracia has been a transformational leader at Oak Knoll for over a decade, following 10 years of effective teaching at Laurel and coaching throughout the district,” according to the district’s statement. “After 20 years in our district, Ms. Gracia is excited to take a leap that will allow her to grow in her career and bring her enthusiasm and ideas to a bigger community.”
If the board approves her appointment, the district will go through a full and open process to find the next principal for Oak Knoll, involving the staff and families of the school, according to the district.
Office of Education talks
The San Mateo County Office of Education is hosting a series of upcoming virtual events.
On March 23, the county will host a session with teachers to address the California Department of Education’s 2021 revision process for the mathematics framework for public schools.
On March 25, there will be an event on pressing issues and major topics in environmental literacy and sustainability. A panel will discuss how to prepare students for careers in a green economy. Attendees will network with others to explore these topics, share resources and best practices, and reflect on local issues and projects.
During the April 15 webinar “The Arts, Anti-Racism and Climate Change,” leaders will offer creative and critical strategies using the arts to support teaching and learning.
More information is at tinyurl.com/smcoeevents.
– Angela Swartz
Communities to receive significant federal stimulus funds
As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, the federal stimulus bill aimed at addressing the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Menlo Park is estimating it will be allocated $6 million in federal funds.
In addition, Atherton is expected to receive $1 million, Woodside $1 million, and Portola Valley $860,000, according to a press release from Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, whose district includes areas of San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.
San Mateo County is expected to receive about $148.7 million, Santa Clara County $373.9 million and Santa Cruz County $53 million.
“Our Congressional District will receive $883 million for local governments to protect the jobs of first responders, frontline public health workers, teachers, transit workers and other essential workers. It includes $102 million to help reopen schools safely in Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz Counties. This transformative bill brings us closer to the day when we will be able to hug our families, have coffee with friends and celebrate birthdays in person again, and I’m eager to see its benefits reach people as soon as possible,” Eshoo said in the statement.
Hand sanitizer dispensers installed at city playgrounds
The city of Menlo Park has recently installed touchless hand sanitizer stations at its 14 playgrounds, according to a city announcement. The dispensers are near playground entrances and are aimed at encouraging visitors to clean their hands before and after play.
New hydration stations have also been added at city parks and facilities to encourage people to use refillable water bottles.
Candidates sought for Menlo Park advisory bodies
The city of Menlo Park is seeking candidates to apply for a number of openings on city commissions. There are four four-year term vacancies on the Housing Commission, three on the Finance and Audit Committee, and two each on the Parks and Recreation Commission and Complete Streets Commission. There are also single seats open for four-year terms on the Planning Commission, Library Commission and Environmental Quality Commission. Four-year terms are set to end April 30, 2025. In addition, there are two single seats open for terms ending April 30, 2022, on the Complete Streets and Library commissions. Go to is.gd/commissionapps for more information about how to apply. Candidates should be at least 18 years old, live in Menlo Park and submit applications no later than April 16.
– Kate Bradshaw