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Ventura Unified rejects three proposals and sets RFP timeline for surplus parcels amid farmland preservation concerns
Summary
The board rejected proposals from Finch Farms, Storm Properties and Cababrio Economic Development for district surplus land and announced RFP releases for Washington Avenue and Jouet Estate with proposals due Dec. 4; public commenters urged preservation of farmland and trustees debated limits on selling raw property.
The Ventura Unified School District board voted unanimously to reject three proposals submitted in response to recent RFPs for district surplus parcels and outlined a timeline to re‑release new requests for proposals.
After the property subcommittee reviewed submitted offers, staff recommended rejecting the Finch Farms proposal; trustees approved that recommendation. The board similarly rejected proposals from Storm Properties and from Cababrio Economic Development Corporation with the housing authority and Homes & Hope partnerships for the Jouet Estate parcel.
District staff and DCG Strategies said new RFPs for Washington Avenue and a revised Jouet Estate solicitation would be released the week of Sept. 29, with proposals due Dec. 4, deliberations in January and negotiations targeted to conclude by February. A public town hall on Oct. 7 was scheduled to gather high‑level community input on land‑use priorities.
Public commenters and trustees expressed concern about future land sales and community identity tied to agricultural uses. One community speaker urged preservation of farmland, noting that “farmland and preserving farmland need to be the number one thing on the east side.” Trustee Dr. Jerry Dannenburgg said he generally opposes selling raw district property and would require a compelling offer to change that view: “I don't think we ought to be selling any of our raw property,” he told colleagues.
Staff said the RFP process is confidential during negotiations and that full contract terms and price points typically become public only after the board takes action; they also noted the district's waiver timeline for the property process expires Dec. 31, 2025, which constrains scheduling.
Trustees did not approve any sale or purchase agreements at the meeting; they rejected the three proposals and instructed staff to proceed with the announced RFP schedule and the public engagement plan.
