Superintendent Hubbard urges developer collaboration amid Hope School District growth concerns

During the recent Planning Commission meeting on April 3, 2025, concerns about the impact of local development on the Hope School District were brought to the forefront. Anne Hubbard, the superintendent of the district, addressed the commission, emphasizing the challenges posed by ongoing and future developments within the district's boundaries.

Hubbard highlighted that the Hope School District operates as a community-funded district, relying on property taxes rather than per-pupil funding. With the district currently serving under 900 students across three campuses—Vieja Valley, Hope Elementary, and Monte Vista Elementary—she expressed her apprehension regarding the potential influx of new students due to local development. Hubbard pointed out that the district may need approximately 28 additional classrooms to accommodate this growth, a need that would require multimillion-dollar investments.

Despite acknowledging the efforts of city officials who have engaged with the school district, Hubbard stressed the inadequacy of one-time developer fees, which she noted would not cover the costs of constructing new classrooms. She urged the commission to consider how developers could collaborate with the school district to address these pressing needs as new projects move forward.

The meeting also featured comments from Steve Johnson, who raised concerns about a specific development project. He argued that the project does not align with the city’s general plan, as it proposes only 44 units instead of the 131 moderate-income units required by the housing element. Johnson's remarks underscored the importance of adhering to established housing policies and ensuring that developments meet community needs.

As the city continues to navigate growth and development, the discussions at this meeting reflect a critical intersection between housing initiatives and educational infrastructure, highlighting the need for coordinated planning to support both residents and local schools. The outcomes of these discussions will be vital in shaping the future of the Hope School District and its ability to serve its students effectively.