Woodside School bond supporters raise nearly $38K for campaign

Supporters of Measure D, which would raise $13.5 million in bond revenue to fund modernization and repair projects for Woodside Elementary School, raised $37,763 to campaign for its passage, spending nearly $19,500 of that sum as of May 17.

Much of the money raised came from school community-based organizations, such as the school’s PTA ($12,000), and the Woodside School Foundation ($5,000), according to the campaign finance report covering the period between Jan. 1 and May 17.

Major donors also included others with ties to the Woodside Elementary School District, including school board member Claire Pollioni ($2,000), and Nicole Sheehan of the Woodside School Foundation Board of Trustees ($1,000).

Large donations also came from Woodside resident Evan Goldberg, founder and chairman of Netsuite Inc. ($9,500); and Christine Hutchinson ($1,000), a Woodside homemaker, according to the financial report.

Blach Construction, a Santa Clara firm that has built numerous facilities on school campuses, including the Performing Arts Center at Menlo-Atherton High School, donated $2,500. The Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth law firm of Newport Beach contributed $1,000.

In the spending category, the report lists Clifford Moss, a political consulting firm in Oakland, as the largest recipient of funds: $15,159 for consulting services and travel, $3,388 for a mailer, and $778 for lawn signs.

There was no campaign finance report submitted for any group opposing Measure D. Forms are required if an individual or group raises $1,000 or more for an election campaign.

Officials of the one-school Woodside elementary district want to use Measure D bond revenue to fund the repair of “critical school facilities, including sewer, lights and leaking roofs; upgrade classrooms and other facilities to meet current health and safety codes, and replace two aging portable classrooms with permanent facilities; and replace older heating and electrical systems to save on utility bills,” according to the ballot argument in favor of the measure.

The bulk of the money would be spent on replacing the Sellman Auditorium, a project that would connect the new building with the campus’ music room, and include a new food-service area and restrooms. The project is estimated to cost $7.67 million.