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Elk Grove board hears naming committee recommendations and approves purchase of Arbor Ranch elementary site
Summary
The board reviewed names proposed for two new elementary schools and unanimously approved a purchase agreement for a 10.01-acre parcel for Arbor Ranch Elementary after a required public hearing; final school names will be chosen later following policy guidance and community input.
The Elk Grove Unified School District board heard a report from the citizen school‑names committee on Aug. 27 and approved the purchase of a parcel for a planned Arbor Ranch Elementary School.
Dr. Kristen Coats summarized the committee’s work and the criteria that guided recommendations for two new elementary schools. For the Grant Line 208 site in the Rancho Cordova area, the committee forwarded three options for board consideration: Lester Holt Elementary School, Cypress Grove Elementary School, and Golden Oak Elementary School. For Arbor Ranch in South Elk Grove the committee forwarded multiple options including Glenn Brunswick, Dennis Bucher, Iet Rowlette and Poppy Ridge Elementary School; committee members said nominations reflected local history, community place‑names and service to children.
The board held a public hearing (required under state law) on the suitability of a 10.01‑acre parcel (APN132005174) at the northwest corner of Ashler Drive and Terra Frana Way for use as an elementary school. Staff reported a Phase I environmental site assessment had been filed with the Department of Toxic Substances Control and found no further action necessary at this stage. The acquisition aligns with the city general plan and Laguna Ridge specific plan, and staff recommended the purchase be approved and the acquisition be found exempt from further CEQA review at this stage.
On a unanimous vote (moved by Miss Ballerini and seconded by Mr. Yang), the board adopted Resolution No. 5 (2025–26) evaluating the property under state site‑selection criteria, approving the purchase agreement and finding the acquisition exempt from CEQA‑level review at this stage. No final naming decisions were made; trustees discussed principles for naming schools including community ties, educational relevance and following board policy that elementary school names reflect district diversity and local history.
What happens next: The district will continue committee work and return final naming recommendations for board action in coming months; administration will proceed with closing steps on the purchase agreement and continue environmental and entitlement processes as required.
Ending note: Board members asked staff to ensure nominees reflect community connection and educational relevance; committee members and community commenters urged honoring local figures and history when finalizing names.
