Wiseburn Unification Status
April 26, 2006 Wiseburn Unification Update Newsletter

Unification Status

Currently we are in Phase IV California State Office and Process Meetings. The state is in the process of interviewing and selecting an agency to perform our Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

Centinela and Wiseburn Joint Board Meeting/Workshop

Thanks to all who were able to make it to the joint Centinela Valley (CV) and Wiseburn School Board Meeting in which Wiseburn Unification was discussed during part of the agenda. Wiseburn is continuing to strive for an amicable and peaceful solution with the Centinela school board. The Wiseburn School Board members are actively discussing and working with the Centinela Board to keep the relationship affable. During the joint board meeting, Centinela Board President Jorge Luis Arroyo, expressed concern regarding Unification and the effect on the Centinela District. At some point, he made reference, as other board members have in the past, to a Charter School as a possible solution.

Wiseburn Superintendent Dr Brann gave an update to CV letting them know that the State has begun to move forward with our Environmental Impact Report (EIR). At this time we feel that our hearing at the state will be sometime in 2007.

Wiseburn Trustee Brian Meath brought up the Blue Ribbon Panel, a task force comprised of 2 Wiseburn School Board Members, 2 CV School Board Members and Wiseburn Superintendent Dr Brann along with CV Superintendent Cheryl White. This task force is intended as a forum for Wiseburn and CV School Districts to discuss and exchange ideas, concerns, and questions regarding the issues that surround the unification effort. Brian Meath affirmed that Wiseburn will continue to proceed with Unification as planned. Brian also stated that he doesn't see Wiseburn and CV having to be exclusive but inclusive. Dr Brann agreed and suggested that the committee meetings continue through 2006.

Wiseburn Trustee Dennis Curtis reminded everyone that it is the Chief Petitioners that will be moving forward with the Unification effort and that the Wiseburn Board is in support of this direction.

At this time, the CV board is not pursuing any legal action but they reserve the right to take that course if they feel it is what is right to do. It should be noted that the CVUSD Board President Jorge Arroyo, stated that he could not support Unification as an elected trustee BUT as a private citizen he would support the Unification effort.

As you can see, it is a very sensitive set of circumstances. We are trying very hard to preserve a positive relationship with CV and the community it serves. Unfortunately, this is a complicated situation. Dr Brann and the Wiseburn School Board are dedicated to work towards a mutually agreeable conclusion.

Why do we want to Unify?

1. We desire to establish a unified school district that will be responsive to the unique needs of our student population to have safe, small, and academically successful schools.

2. We desire to provide a coordinated and sequential educational program for our children, preschool through twelfth grade.

3. We believe unification will increase collaboration between elementary staff, secondary staff, and the community in our pursuit of national, state, county and local educational goals.

4. We desire a unified educational system whereby educational expectations and accountability are driven by a single Board of Trustees and a single administration representing the Wiseburn Community.

5. We believe that unification will provide a more effective use of district resources.

6. We desire to establish a high school to serve the Wiseburn Community.
   
    

   Sincerely, The Chief Petitioners,

   Linda Cuesta, Chief Petitioner Danny Juarez, Chief Petitioner Lydia Rodriguez, Chief Petitioner