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104 Request of Mayor Weymouth re opposition to the closing of Sequoia High School Mayor Weymouth advised that the Board of Trustees of the Sequoia Union High School District will soon con- duct a public hearing (August 19, 1975 - see below) regarding the possible closing of Sequoia High School in Redwood City. Mayor Weymouth suggested that for many reasons, including the fact that Redwood City is the largest City in the District and the County Seat, that it would be inappropriate to close Sequoia High School. - Claude De Moss, 420 Jackson, asked Council to urge the Board of Trustees not to close Sequoia High School. Larry Gilsdorf, 1506 Hopkins, stated he has worked on studies regarding the closing of certain elementary schools and believes that the number of children in the district should dictate where schools are to be closed . Mr. Gilsdorf suggested that perhaps the City could offer statistics which would support a recommendation to keep Sequoia open. Mr. Gilsdorf also stated that he favors neighborhood schools and believes the continued operation of Sequoia High School would preserve the history of the City. Council discussion followed concerning participation of certain Council members in the past on committees in- vestigating high school needs and the benefits to a community from its high school. It was pointed out that Sequoia is located in the County seat near down- town business, both of which provide study opportunities for students not available elsewhere. MOTION : Councilman Henderson moved, seconded by Council- man Rhodes, that a letter be sent from the Council to the Board of Trustees of the Sequoia Union High School Dis- trict putting the Council on record in support of con- tinued operation of Sequoia High School as the capitol of the District Ferris Miles, Redwood City, advised that none of the members of the Sequoia Union High School Board lives in Redwood City and that perhaps they should be approached individually by residents in order that they might under- stand the point of view of citizens here . Mr. Miles called attention to the 4o acre site on which Sequoia High School is located and the desirability of having that wooded area so visible in the center of town. Gladys Woodhams, 601 Melville, Palo Alto, stated that she is an alumna of Sequoia High School and a member of the Redwood City Heritage Association. She described the historical background of the school site . Mrs. Woodhams suggested it might be possible for the City to purchase and maintain the park area around the school to relieve the financial burden on the District, while per- mitting them to continue to operate the school. -6- Reg.Mtg. 8/11/75