To explain my position on the charter high school proposal, I thought I would relate my thoughts in following manner.
Regarding a charter high school in Foster City, my supportive position should be clear by my vote to provide four acres of land for the charter school, on the fifteen acres centrally located adjacent to the civic center. I indicated that the land should be leased to the charter school at the fair market rate. I did indicate that I was flexible on the lease rate depending on the ability to use the charter school facilities for city-wide activities which would benefit all of our citizens.
In addition, I could support some offset in development cost if the facilities could be used for some overall city-wide benefit. I have not indicated a dollar amount or percentage of development cost that I would be willing to support.
My position remains clear as to my opposition to a city-wide General Obligation Bond to finance the facility. I believe that academic education facilities should be financed by the School District or private parties (example: PJCC, Kid Connection). The San Mateo Union High School District, to whom we pay taxes, has legal jurisdiction for facilities and education. In addition, they have an elected Board of Directors.
My opposition to a General Obligation Bond of the City is based on my belief and commitment to the premise that City General Fund dollars should be spent on city-wide public health and safety issues, required City public use facilities, staff and maintenance/operation of infrastructure which benefits all the citizens and the business community.
I do wish the Foster City High School Foundation success and I remain committed to their use of the four acres. At some point in time, however, a go-no-go decision must be made. I hope the Foster City High School Foundation is successful.
Rick Wykoff may be reached via e-mail rwykoff@fostercity.org
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