Neighbors, preservationists urge Ventura Unified to put Washington School reuse on the agenda

Dozens of Midtown residents told the Ventura Unified School District board they want Washington School preserved and repurposed rather than sold.

At a public-comment block led by neighborhood speakers, longtime residents and local preservationists described the 1926 Mediterranean-style building at 96 McMillan Street as an architectural and community landmark. "It's a beautiful building," said Danielle Brown, listing interior hardwood floors, a central courtyard and an auditorium with tiered seating. "Please don't sell it." Steven Schafer, president of the San Buenaventura Conservancy for Preservation, urged the district to place Washington School on a future agenda and to allow public discussion after the Conservancy formally nominated the property for state-level historic recognition.

Speakers recounted past community investment in the property when Ventura County Christian School (VCCS) leased and maintained the site. Lisa Darby, who said she was a founding board member of VCCS and led renovation work, described volunteer labor, fundraising and building repairs that supporters say saved the structure. "We poured our life out for that building," she said, adding that the lease was not renewed despite community investment.

Residents also raised concerns about green space and neighborhood impacts. Several speakers argued that the property's open areas could be preserved as a park or reused for a community center rather than developed into large housing. Natalie Oman, a local realtor, urged preserving both the building and surrounding green space, saying research links access to green space with health benefits.

Multiple speakers said Ventura Unified submitted comments opposing the Conservancy's nomination to the State Historical Resources Commission and that the district's filing delayed a hearing now set for Nov. 7. "Residents do not understand why Ventura Unified contested the Conservancy's Washington School historic preservation nomination," said Brenda Coleman.

Board members acknowledged the depth of public interest and said they would consider returning the item to a future agenda for public input. The board did not take an immediate action on the property during the meeting.

The Washington School is currently owned by Ventura Unified; participants at the meeting asked the district to explore adaptive reuse options, potential lease renewals, and more transparent community engagement before any sale or demolition moves forward.

Next steps: speakers asked the district to put Washington School on a future board agenda for public discussion and to provide more information about the district's position on the state nomination and any planned disposition or reuse process.