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Ventura Unified gets state waiver to use RFPs for five surplus properties; board agrees to start with two sites
Summary
After the State Board of Education granted a waiver allowing a values-based request-for-proposal process, Ventura Unified staff presented an RFP timeline and the board gave consensus to release RFPs on two initially selected surplus properties; proposals must be evaluated and agreements signed by Dec. 30, 2025 unless the district secures an extension.
Ventura Unified School District staff told the board on Jan. 14 that a waiver from the State Board of Education will let the district use a request-for-proposal (RFP) approach — rather than strictly awarding to the highest bidder — to explore sale or lease options for five properties the board previously declared surplus.
Stephen, a consultant from the district's counsel/real estate advisor (AALRR), said the waiver "allows us to consider other factors" in addition to price, including community benefit and how a proposal fits the district's vision. "If someone proposes something that has a really high price but the use is something we frankly don't want to see in our community, the district has the ability to reject that proposal," he said. (Stephen)
Staff recommended starting with two sites that are not currently used by the district so the process can "exercise the muscle" before tackling more complicated properties such as the service center or the Washington School site. Proposed timeline highlights presented to the board included: RFP release (targeted Jan. 20), a property review period, a public question period extending through about March 20, a proposal submission deadline around April 28, 2025, district assessment and negotiations through May and a board presentation in mid-June. Under the waiver, any agreement resulting from the RFP process must be signed by Dec. 30, 2025, or the district must seek an extension from the state.
Board members sought clarifications about the scope and schedule. Trustee Danenberg stressed the operational complexity at the service center and noted some properties will require additional environmental or historical reviews before development can proceed. Trustee Rodriguez urged broader outreach and questioned whether the district was removing the requirement to offer surplus parcels first to other public agencies; staff clarified the RFP process will let the district consider city or county proposals on equal footing.
Community groups and local agencies signaled early interest. Jeff Lambert, CEO of the Ventura Housing Authority, thanked the board for including workforce housing as a priority in the RFP and said the authority intended to submit proposals for one or more sites. Public commenters and community groups at the meeting also urged the district to publicize the RFP widely and to make application guidance and Q&A publicly available.
What happens next: the board signaled consensus to proceed with posting an RFP for two initial surplus sites; staff said they will post materials on the district website, mail to known developers and update the public as the Q&A and submission windows open. Any final award remains subject to further board approval and the district's 30-to-60-day selection window after proposals are returned.
Sources: staff presentation by district consultant Stephen (AALRR) and bond/facilities staff, public comments including Jeff Lambert (Ventura Housing Authority), Ventura Unified Board discussion and public record of Jan. 14, 2025 meeting.
