School board approves purchase of parcel north of Lincoln High for $800,000

The Western Placer Unified School District board voted to adopt a resolution authorizing staff to move forward with the purchase of a 0.32-acre parcel at 1281 Ninth Street for $800,000.

The board approved the action after a public hearing and staff testimony that the site meets California Department of Education site-selection standards and that developer-fee funding, which the district says is restricted to growth-related uses, would pay for the acquisition.

Mike, a district staff member, told the board the site was evaluated against Title 5 site standards and that "I can confirm that, we are able to check off, all the standards, on on the attached list." He described a prior higher offer that fell through and said the district had negotiated the current $800,000 purchase price after receiving an appraisal.

Why it matters: the parcel sits immediately north of Lincoln High School stadium and could provide additional acreage the district says is needed for Phoenix and Atlas program expansion and outdoor athletic or education space. District staff also told the board the homes currently on the property could produce short-term rental income while the district waits for long-term growth-driven uses.

Board members asked detailed questions about short-term and long-term uses, revenue and restrictions on the funding source. Staff estimated rental income at about $2,400 per unit per month and annual gross rental revenue between about $45,000 and $60,000 until the district decides on a permanent use. A public commenter who spoke in favor described the purchase as a "tremendous long term opportunity to foster collaboration among Phoenix, Atlas, and Lincoln High School."

The board and staff clarified how developer fees may be applied. A board member summarized the restriction: "that money can only be used for expansion. It can't be used for the hundreds of other things they'd like to use it for." Staff confirmed developer-fee money is intended for land acquisition and growth-related capital projects and that the district expects any costs directly related to the expansion project to be charged to those restricted funds.

Board members also discussed alternatives and risks. Staff noted the long-term build-out of Village 1 and other planned developments will increase enrollment and program needs; they reported Phoenix is at capacity and that the program previously had roughly a 100-student waiting list. Staff also said eminent-domain proceedings to acquire land later would be costly and time-consuming — citing a recent case in which legal and related costs were about $100,000.

The board took a roll-call vote to adopt resolution 24/25.32. Maria called the roll; Members Mitsos, Price, Dykstra, Prophet and Freeman voted yes. The motion passed.

Looking ahead, staff said the district will continue to review uses for the parcel under the long-range facilities master plan and to monitor enrollment growth tied to new housing villages.