The Santa Paula Unified School District board has taken another look at the Long Range Master Facilities Plan for the district.
One item to come out of the workshop was that the consultant needed to come back with a short-term plan, not based on a potential bond measure. Board member Michelle Kolbeck said they needed to see alternative plans to, “See what we can afford.” She added that the master plan was based on going out for a bond and she said she couldn’t approve it based on that. Chris Wilson added that the consultant should come back with a proposal for one year out. Assistant Superintendent Donna Rose told the board that they need more discussion on short-term plans.
The board also discussed converting one or two schools to K-8 programs. Kelsey Stewart said she wanted to know more about the benefits of K-8 schools. Board President Diana Ponce Gomez noted that she needed more details so the board has a lot of information when they discuss the K-8 idea. Board member Tina Urias said she liked the idea of K-8 on both sides of town. It was suggested that Glen City School and the new school at East Area 1 each become K-8 schools.
The timeline for the new elementary school also came up. Limoneira’s consultant has told the board they need to begin the search and have an architect by the end of August. Superintendent Alfonso Gamino said they would choose an architect, but not necessarily on Limoneira’s time line. He said they could put out a Request For Proposals by September or October.
In another matter the school board talked about computer needs for the schools. The staff is going to investigate whether to use Ipads or other types of computers for students in the classrooms.
The board has a regular meeting coming up Wednesday, August 6 at 7:00 pm at Glen City School.
