CUSD board authorizes conditional RFP for Las Ramblas property pending State waiver

The Capistrano Unified School District board voted 5-0-2 on Nov. 19 to give staff conditional authorization to distribute a request for proposals (RFP) for the Las Ramblas property, pending a waiver from the State Board of Education.

Deputy superintendent Clark Hampton introduced resolution 2526-14 and legal and staff presenters explained that an RFP process — available only if the district secures a state waiver — would allow the district to evaluate and negotiate proposals for sale or ground lease rather than being forced into a public auction. Andreas Schaltz, who presented the item, told trustees the parcel is 7.292 acres and described how the district acquired it under a prior option for $6,000,000. Schaltz said the waiver would let the district “receive those proposals, read them, call people and confirm what you’re reading,” and would permit negotiating for what the administration considers the most beneficial outcome rather than simply accepting the highest auction bid.

Schaltz also framed the item in the context of the Surplus Lands Act, saying the resolution includes a finding that any revenue from a sale or lease would be used for district purposes — maintenance, modernization, programs and initiatives — which the district cites as a ground for an exemption. He described the RFP path as enabling the district to consider not just price but the proposed product, an applicant’s ability to secure entitlement and other terms that affect ultimate community benefit.

Board members asked for clarification about the process; the motion to adopt resolution 2526-14 passed with a roll‑call result reported as 5‑0‑2. No public speaker cards were submitted for the item.

The next step is administrative: if the State Board of Education grants the requested waiver, staff will distribute the RFP and the district will receive, review and publicly report the proposals and the district’s justification for a selection. Trustees were told that subsequent proposal shortlisting and selection would be conducted in open session with full disclosure of proposals and rationale for any award.

Action taken: resolution 2526-14 approved conditionally; the district will proceed to issue an RFP only after receiving the state waiver.