SPUSD Board again rejects private
school students playing sports at SPHS
May 27, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
For the second time, on a 3-2 vote, the Board of the Santa Paula Unified School District has turned down a request to allow private school students, who reside in Santa Paula, to take part in athletics at Santa Paula High School.
Board members voted against allowing students from St. Augustine Academy to participate in Santa Paula High School sports.
St. Augustine is a catholic school located in Ventura and has no athletic program of its own. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) last year changed its constitution and bylaws to allow students from private schools who live in a public school district to take part in athletics at the public school. The rule change requires the student live in the CIF-Member school district, attend a school that has no athletic program, meet all CIF-Member school scholastic eligibility requirements and submit to the regular grading period of the CIF-Member school.
David Shaneyfelt requested the action on behalf of his son Mike, a student at St. Augustine. He gave the board a petition, with 270 signatures gathered on the internet, as well as another petition with 80 signatures. They all supported the request to the district. Shaneyfelt urged the board, “to try it and see how it goes.”
Diana Ponce-Gomez, who again voted no on the request said, “I respectfully disagree. Other schools may follow and existing students could be cut and outside kids picked to play.” Board member Kelsey Stewart said she still supported the plan, but she added that she had hoped for answers to issues raised at the previous meeting. She also noted that the families are paying taxes in Santa Paula and the children should be able to play.
Another board member, Christina Urias wondered why it was back on the agenda. She said, “I disagree with the process. I represent 5600 students….I’m pretty appalled.”
Board President Michelle Kolbeck, who also voted in favor of the request, said she was embarrassed. “We’re elected by all the taxpayers.” She added that in the future she would like to see board questions answered.
In another matter, Isbell Middle School made a presentation on the necessity for additional classroom space at the school. Principal George Alessi requested that two portable buildings be placed on the campus. He said they have 1,172 students this year and expect to have 1,220 next year. The overcrowding has resulted in the school’s one science lab to be used as a regular classroom. Board President Kolbeck noted that two portables would still not free up the science lab. She said, “It’s not fair.” She added that she would support three portable buildings, which would open up the lab. This was not an action item, but the board indicated they would support three portables.
The board also gave final approval to purchasing another property on Palm Court. They district will pay $313,000 for 36 Palm Court, with the money coming from developer fees. The board had earlier bought 34 Palm Court and already owns several other properties. There are no immediate plans for the properties, but converting them into parking lots is one consideration.
Another item concerned renovation of the Bryden Gym. WLC Architects presented several options to the board. The district wants to improve locker room facilities for girl’s athletics. The options range in cost from $4 million to $10 million dollars. The board seemed to be leaning towards the option that would completely redo the interior of the current gymnasium. No action was taken.
