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Tessellations school leaders and parents ask planning commission for quicker CUP review, traffic protections
Summary
Representatives and parents of Tessellations school told the Cupertino Planning Commission on Sept. 23 that the school's conditional use permit review has stretched months beyond expectations, requested a final review and noted traffic‑safety steps already taken including regular patrols by the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office.
Representatives of Tessellations school urged the Cupertino Planning Commission on Sept. 23 to complete a long‑running conditional use permit review and to support traffic‑safety measures around the school.
Lutheran Williams, identified in public comment as head of Tessellations School, said the school applied for a conditional use permit (CUP) in March and has since received multiple rounds of staff comments. "Just this past Saturday we received a fourth round of comments... we hope this marks the final stage of the application process so that the traffic study already funded in July can finally move forward," Williams told commissioners. Williams said the process has been "exceptionally complex and costly" for the school, citing "almost $100,000 in fees and countless administrative hoops," and said Tessellations is committed to safety and partnership with city staff and neighbors.
Williams said the school has been coordinating with the city for traffic safety: "David Stillman, the city's transportation manager... his team will be visiting our site soon to evaluate the existing signage and install signage consistent with what is provided at public schools." Williams also reported that the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office began regular patrols during drop‑off and pick‑up, and that Deputy Duante was on site and reported no speeding violations during an initial visit.
Parent Julius Peras (transcribed as "Julius Peras"), speaking from a family perspective, described reasons the family chose Tessellations and praised the school's outdoor nature‑focused campus and emphasis on kindness. "The school elevates kindness as a core value," Peras said, and noted operational changes that reduced drop‑off congestion, including staggered schedules.
Williams said school leaders will meet with Mayor Child and the planning commission chair and named two neighbors, Gil Doyle and Vic Mennon, for an upcoming meeting to address concerns and seek workable solutions.
No formal action was taken by the Planning Commission during oral communications. Commissioners thanked speakers and noted an earlier report that a commissioner visited the Tessellations campus that day.
