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Neighbors and groups press OUSD to publicly vet proposals for Peralta site
Summary
Multiple neighborhood residents, representatives of Orange Lutheran and a charter school tenant urged the board to agendize proposals and make the Peralta site disposition process transparent, citing long community interest and existing leases. Speakers sought competitive review and clear timelines.
Dozens of public speakers asked the Orange Unified School District Board of Education on Oct. 17 to publicly consider and vet prospective uses for the district's Peralta property rather than decide privately or in closed session.
"We are respectfully asking you to put the Peralta site on an upcoming public agenda and allow Orange Lutheran to show you and the community our plans and dreams," Todd Moritz, a local resident and former CEO of Orange Lutheran High School, told trustees.
Multiple neighborhood residents and local stakeholders — including representatives from Orange Lutheran and neighbors who live adjacent to the property — said they had reviewed concept plans and want a transparent, public process. Michael Lopez, who lives across the street from Peralta, said he and his neighbors support Orange Lutheran's concept and asked the board to "meet with the community and let's get the best project for the site." Dave Heim and Darren Kempkes said they had conducted neighborhood outreach and reported strong local backing for proposals that would provide community fields and open space.
Laura Schlottman, executive director and principal at Explore Prime Academy, which currently leases part of the Peralta site, asked the board for clarity about leases and timelines. "Our lease ends June 2025 and we just need answers. Transparency is exactly what I'm asking for," Schlottman said, adding her school serves roughly 130 students of whom about half live in Orange.
At least one public commenter raised procedural concerns about the board placing an amended agreement related to the site on the consent calendar without prior public readings. Alex Bridal (appearing earlier in the meeting) said item 11p had been placed on consent despite prior controversy and should have been listed as an action item.
Board members took public comments and then approved the consent calendar (including the item in question) by a 7-0 vote. Trustees did not immediately remove the Peralta discussion from the consent items; several trustees afterward asked staff to provide more information in the Friday packet and to be prepared to engage with community stakeholders.
The board did not make a substantive decision on property disposition during the Oct. 17 meeting; public speakers urged the board to schedule a public hearing or special meeting that would allow competing proposals to be presented and to clarify any closed-session discussions involving Santiago Canyon Community College or other parties.
