On Oct. 7, the San Jose Unified School District board approved an agreement with the city of San Jose to give the high school a $50,000 grant to renovate its track in exchange for use of the track for up to five events a year. However, the track has already been refurbished through Measure F funding, which was approved by voters in 2002.

A similar grant was given to Lincoln High School for its track refurbishment, District 6 Councilman Ken Yeager said. And he wanted to see similar improvements at Willow Glen High School, initially recommending the high school grant in 2001.

"It's really a benefit for the community," he said. "Many residents jog on the track, and it helps the students, as well."

To reconcile the duplication of funding, $50,000 will be put aside from Measure F and earmarked for future projects at the high school, according to San Jose Unified School District property consultant Sonja Shurr.

"It's wonderful," Shurr said. "The school receives $50,000 intended for the track, and it gives the school a chance to use the money for another project."

San Jose Unified School District trustee Carol Myers, however, did raise the concern that the city-sponsored events, which are part of the agreement, could impact residents who live in the vicinity of the high school.

"We don't know the magnitude of these events," she said. "For instance, if there is a city-wide walkathon or jogathon, there could be several thousand people at the school. Where are they going to park?"

She added that she hoped the city would be diligent about giving the community prior notice about planned events.

"The neighbors need to be notified in a sufficient amount of time," she said.

But Shurr said the city-sponsored events should cause no more frustration to neighbors than regular school events.

"What we have to consider is that schools have events all the time," she said. "The events the city will use the school for five times a year are no different than a carnival or a cakewalk. It's a wonderful opportunity for the community and students."