San Carlos eyes school district office transfer

Superintendent Michelle Harmeier said the discussion is part of a budget balancing plan pursued in March, when officials approved a variety of spending cuts designed to fill a $2.5 deficit spurred by declining enrollment.

“It’s an opportunity to look at ongoing revenue,” said Harmeier, of the money which could be generated by allowing other uses to occupy the district headquarters.

While no decision has been made, Harmeier suggested officials are leaning toward examining leasing the space rather than selling it. Should an agreement ultimately be reached to move, she said the former district office adjacent to Central Middle School could serve the new administrative home.

The proposal to move the district office is a resurrection of a similar discussion held in 2016, when officials ultimately decided such a decision is unnecessary. Since then though, Harmeier said the district’s financial footing has slipped and staff has been reduced, so the existing accommodations are superfluous to the demands.

As part of the examination, a committee was formed to determine whether the property should be declared surplus, which would grant the district headway to engage in conversations with other interested parties. Harmeier said she expects the issue to return for a decision some time next fall.

All things being equal, Harmeier said the district would be happy to preserve the status quo, but a dire financial outlook is forcing officials into tough decisions.

Earlier this year, the district Board of Trustees agreed to lay off counselors, reduce custodial services and trim the amount of middle school principals as part of the effort to balance the district’s books. Officials have said the need for the roughly $2.5 million in cuts is generated by 100 fewer students enrolling in San Carlos schools this year. The district is funded by allocations according to average daily attendance, so the enrollment drop harms the school system’s bottom line.

Harmeier speculated previously the loss of students is tied to the local affordability crisis, as some homeowners may be selling their property and moving elsewhere while renters may leave in favor of a more affordable place to live.

As the cost of living rises higher, Harmeier advocated for changes to the state’s school funding system which can accommodate Bay Area districts increasingly struggling to keep steady enrollment and funding levels.

She acknowledged the local community’s contribution goes far to assure the pain in San Carlos is limited, but many other school districts are not so lucky.

“All kids should get this opportunity and it needs to be balanced funding across the state,” she said.

To that end, members of the school community Wednesday, May 8, will participate in an effort spanning school districts across the Peninsula to advocate for amendments to the school funding system. San Carlos will join those from Burlingame, Belmont, Redwood City, San Mateo, Foster City and other cities to demonstrate along El Camino Real and raise awareness about school funding issues.

As it relates to the district office’s future, Harmeier said she is hopeful the local advocacy makes a difference, but San Carlos officials still need to take move ahead cautiously.

“We are hoping the state gives us funding and we hope not to make this decision but we need to be prepared,” she said.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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