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OUSD discusses surplus land, waiver routes and possible district-office relocation to fund school repairs
Summary
Board members asked staff to continue research into surplus-property options and the State Board waiver process, including possible sale or exchange of underused acreage (Peralta, Walnut examples) and relocating the district office to a commercial site to generate capital for elementary-school facilities improvements.
District staff presented an asset-management briefing on June 13 outlining options for identifying underutilized land, the statutory surplus process, and an alternative State Board of Education waiver pathway that can permit negotiated sales or exchanges. Legal counsel described the differences: the traditional surplus notice/competitive-bid process is rigid (sets price/terms up front), while a waiver and a request for proposals can let the district consider more than price (timing and community uses) but typically takes longer for state approval.
Staff discussed specific examples of district-owned parcels (Peralta driving-range area, Walnut parcel adjacent to Santiago) and said some prior transactions were completed years ago with proceeds used for facilities (fund 40). Presenters also described the district office site's aging systems (roofs, HVAC) and suggested relocating the central office to a commercial building to free a valuable parcel for capital improvements; staff argued the commercial market currently presents buying opportunities and that freeing the district site could generate funds targeted to elementary-school facility needs.
Trustees emphasized the importance of following the district's facilities master plan and engaging the community. The board indicated consensus to continue further research, pursue communications with the community, and explore waiver and surplus options as appropriate. Staff noted substantial next steps (appraisals, environmental tests, community meetings) and cautioned transactions take months under current procedures.
What happens next: staff will continue due diligence, engage communications for community outreach, and return with options and timelines for any proposed surplus or relocation actions.
