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Published on 09/01/1997 All articles from this issue

MV-LA board approves designs for new libraries

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By Linda Taaffe / Town Crier Staff Writer

Members of the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District took another step towards preparing their schools for the next century at the Aug. 26 district meeting, where they approved the architectural designs for new library buildings at Mountain View and Los Altos high schools.

Bob Golton, assistant superintendent of business services, said the buildings reflect the future needs of schools. He said the buildings will be three-to-four times larger than the current library facilities and will be modernized to be used for a broad scope of activities. A cafeteria and a performing arts area have been included in the buildings' designs.

"The libraries are going to be more than a place where you just look up a book," Golton said.

The $13 million project is scheduled to begin in early 1999 and to be completed by April 2000. Construction will include a multi-purpose building and a library at both campuses.

The new library buildings each will be 13,000 square feet and will include reading, staff, work, and conference rooms, and a tutorial center. Each room will be enclosed in glass to provide privacy while still allowing the areas to be easily monitored by the library staff.

Both libraries will be located alongside the school quads, and the exteriors will be consistent with existing architectural designs, Golton said. At Los Altos, the new library will be part of a major face lift at the front of school.

In other news:

Upgraded security: The Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District will upgrade alarm systems at both high schools this week. The new system will provide intrusion detection and alarm equipment in every classroom. In addition, an "adult presence" will be on each campus at night, lighting will be increased, and the Los Altos Police Department will train school staff members on "how to be good a witness."

Renovation projects on schedule: Classroom renovation projects A and B have been completed at both Mountain View and Los Altos high schools. The C renovations at Mountain View were finished for the first day of classes. The construction at Los Altos will be finished, as originally scheduled, in October.

The projects are part of a five-year, $58 million plan to renovate both campuses. The new classrooms include new heating and ventilation systems, floors and ceilings, and fiber optics installation.

CIS expands: Laura Strand, a Los Altos resident and parent, designed the 3,000-square-foot expansion for the Children's International School (CIS) at Cubberley Community Center in Palo Alto. Since local parents opened the non-profit school in 1995, enrollment has grown 100 percent each year. Director Sue Lowe said the additional space will allow the school to maintain its 1:10 teacher-student ratio.

CIS was established to provide a strong, self-directed academic program for students in classes K through 8. In addition to core academics, students participate in Spanish and Japanese language classes.