1. Mountain View Whisman settles sex abuse lawsuit for $5 million
The Mountain View Whisman School District (MVWSD) has agreed to pay $5 million to three former students who alleged they were sexually abused by a Graham Middle School teacher about 50 years ago.
The settlement was announced by MVWSD Board President Charles DiFazio following an Aug. 20 closed session. The lawsuit, filed in December 2022, alleged that the district failed to protect students from Nathaniel McCray, who taught sex education, science and theater at Graham.
Two plaintiffs were students in McCray’s classrooms from 1972 to 1974 and alleged that he groomed, sexually harassed and abused them.
McCray was indicted in 1974 in connection with a child sexual abuse material ring. Court documents said hundreds of boys were sexually assaulted by members of the ring, which included employees of the Santa Clara Unified School District.
The lawsuit was enabled by California’s 2019 Child Victims Act, which temporarily extended the time available for survivors of childhood sexual assault to bring civil claims. The case is scheduled to be dismissed Feb. 19, 2027.
2. MVLA raises substitute teacher pay
The Mountain View-Los Altos (MVLA) High School District has raised its daily substitute teacher rate to $280, the first increase in about five years.
The school board voted unanimously Aug. 17 to establish the flat daily rate. Previously, substitutes received either $250 or $280.25 depending on the day’s bell schedule. Assignments of three hours or less will remain at $130.
District officials said the increase is needed to remain competitive as neighboring districts raise substitute pay amid a shortage of substitute teachers.
When MVLA cannot find a substitute, administrators may ask another teacher to cover the class, costing the district $464 to $539 per day and taking teachers away from preparation periods.
3. Cupertino Union refinances $60.5 million in bonds
The Cupertino Union School District has refinanced more than $60 million in outstanding general obligation bonds, generating an estimated $4.5 million in long-term savings for taxpayers.
The Board of Education received an update on the refinancing at its August meeting. The district refinanced $16.025 million in Series A bonds and $44.53 million in Series B bonds in July, lowering their average interest rates from 3.33% to 2.74% and from 4.11% to 3.32%, respectively.
The savings will reduce property tax obligations over the remaining life of the bonds, with no impact on the district’s general fund.
4. Los Altos School District moves ahead with five modernizations
The Los Altos School District is moving ahead with modernization plans at Egan and Blach middle schools and three elementary schools: Santa Rita, Oak and Almond.
The Board of Trustees approved architectural services agreements Aug. 17, including $400,000 for Egan and Blach, $1.5 million each for Oak and Santa Rita, and $1.1 million for Almond.
Egan and Blach will be prepared to add sixth grade in fall 2028, while modernization at the three elementary schools is planned for the following year. Planned upgrades include HVAC, lighting, roofing, fire alarms, technology, flooring, restrooms and accessibility improvements. Design work is expected to begin this year, with construction costs still being developed.
