Board adopts CEQA categorical exemption for Rancho Sonata reconstruction

The Orange County Board of Education voted July 9 to adopt Resolution 20125, authorizing a categorical exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act for reconstruction of the Rancho Sonata site. Trustees moved and seconded the resolution and then approved it by roll‑call vote; the board recorded unanimous support. The item was listed on the agenda as "Adopt Resolution 20125 authorizing the categorical exemption of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements for the reconstruction of Rancho Sonata site." Board discussion on the record was limited; the motion and second were followed by a formal roll‑call vote with all trustees voting yes. The adoption is an administrative action that permits the county office to proceed with reconstruction work under the cited categorical exemption rather than pursue a full CEQA review. The resolution itself and any project-level details (scope, budget, contractors, construction timeline) were not read into the record at the meeting; staff follow-up will be required to provide project specifics and any permits or notices associated with the exemption.