PETITION STATEMENT Background: The San Mateo High Union High School District is considering a proposal to relocate Peninsula High School to the Hillsdale High School campus in San Mateo. This proposal would build a new high school facility and parking lot on the southern edge of the school property, resulting in two separate high schools on the site. Peninsula High School is the alternative continuation high school that serves "at-risk" students in the District (from San Bruno to San Mateo) that are behind in units for many reasons. The current campus, now located in San Bruno, allows them to complete high school in a supportive environment, away from the pressures and influences that kept them from finishing high school at their neighborhood school. We are against this proposal because: (1) Contrary to the District's stated goal of centralizing the location of the alternative school, the Hillsdale High School site is located on the southern-most boundary of the school district. (2) The Hillsdale acreage designated by the District for the alternative school is the poorly laid out for a separate school and borders residential homes. (3) Traffic in the area, already problematic, would be made worse by the the addition of up to 250 students plus associated teachers and staff. (4) Transportation to the site is poor, requiring an almost one mile walk from the train or bus stop. (5) Hillsdale's eight tennis courts and newly-built soccer field would be eliminated and replaced by the alternative school building. These athletic facilities are important to both Hillsdale students and the surrounding community. (6) The site has already been designated for expansion to accommodate enrollment increases at Hillsdale High School as a result of the Bay Meadows residential development. For these reasons, the undersigned oppose the San Mateo Union High School District's proposal to relocate the alternative school to Hillsdale High School. It's the future of our kids, it's the health of our high school, and it's the integrity of our communities.

Links