-- Unification Status --
June 2011
Currently, we are still in Phase IV of our effort and the latest EIR (Environmental Impact Report) has been completed.
It’s been a while but unification is still hanging in there. Unfortunately we are back in the waiting game again due to the recent decision from the State Board. Below is a summary of what that decision was and how they reached it. I have to say that it frustrates me that because they procrastinated so long with our issue, it allowed Centinela to dig into our pockets even more and as a result, the State Board is using that as the reason why we cannot unify without a wide area vote. Because the tax payers approved the multi-million dollar bonds so that Centinela can spend it on renovating their facilities, they get a vote as to whether Wiseburn can secede or not since they will be stuck with their own bill if we unify.
However, while we are waiting, Dr. Johnstone and the Wiseburn School Board members have been pursuing their own initiative by researching other options while continuing to build a high school in anticipation of unification.
STATE BOARD DECISION
According to the State Board of Education, the changes that have occurred between 2004 and 2010 have resulted in a change in their final determination regarding the Wiseburn Unification. Below is a summary of the main factors influencing their decision.
In summary:
If we had unified in 2000, Centinela would not have exceeded their bond capacity once Wiseburn seceded. However, if Wiseburn were to unify now, the remaining bond money that the voters approved would result in Centinela exceeding the bonding capacity should they choose to use that bond money. See table 1 below. SBE claims they can only agree to allow Wiseburn to continue paying on the "Issued" bonds (the bond money that has already been issues and is being used). However, the "Unissued" bonds would have to be paid by CV once they are issued to them. This is what would cause them to exceed bonding capacity.
NOTE: SBE recognizes that they can waive the bond capacity and do so regularly.
SBE also claims that a loss of 700 students is predicted should Wiseburn unify and that in light of CV's current fiscal condition, this would “significantly heighten the fiscal challenges already in place".
Table 1:
7.3 County Committee Opinion Regarding EC Section 35753 Conditions
A county committee must submit to the SBE its opinion regarding whether the proposal complies with the provisions of EC Section 35753. The County Committee found that seven of the nine conditions in EC Section 35753(a) are substantially met by the following votes:
Adequate Enrollment (7-0);
Community Identity (7-0);
Promotion of Segregation (6-1);
Increased Costs to State (7-0);
Educational Program (4-3);
Increased Housing Costs (7-0);
Increased Property Values (7-0);
The County Committee found that the remaining two conditions are not substantially met by the following votes
Equitable Division of Property (4-3); and
2010 May 10 Item 25.pdf
Please remember that unification depends on community support!
For questions please contact the Chief Petitioners by e-mail at unifywiseburn@hotmail.com or by phone:
Lydia Rodriguez (310) 676-8052
Linda Cuesta (310) 433-5285
Shavonda Webber-Christmas (310) 874-4682
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Wiseburn Bond "AA" Information
(taken from the Wiseburn Measure "AA" Fact Sheet)
The Wiseburn School District has made good use of prior support form the community to completely rebuild all of our schools. Wiseburn schools have been recongnized as California Distinguished Schools, and test scores and gruaduation rates have increased to some of the highest in teh South Bay. To build a local Wiseburn high school to complete the academic succes of our student, the Board has placed Measure "AA" on teh November ballot.
View the Fact Sheet for more information on measure "AA"
REMEMBER WHY WE WANT TO UNIFY
1. We desire to establish a unified school district that will be responsive to the unique needs of
our student population to have safe, small, academically successful schools.
2. We desire to provide a coordinated, sequential educational program for our children preschool
through twelfth grade.
3. We believe unification will increase collaboration between elementary staff, secondary staff,
and the community in our pursuit of national, state, county and local educational goals.
4. We desire a unified educational system whereby educational expectations and accountability
are driven by a single Board of trustees and a single administration representing the
Wiseburn Community.
5. We believe that unification will provide a more effective use of district resources.
6. We desire to establish a high school to serve the Wiseburn Community.
We want the best education for our children!
CHIEF PETITIONER HISTORY:
Through the years we've had dedicated parents in the community invest time, effort, money, and an endless committment to this cause. On behalf of the Wiseburn Community we'd like to say Thank You for caring enough about our children to make a difference in their future.
Tony Nakamura - Wiseburn Chief Petitioner 2001-2004
Tony Nakamura was one of the first Chief Petitioners when we began our quest in 2001. Tony walked the streets of Wiseburn along with a multitude of families gathering signatures for our petition. He was a key person in our stategy and planning to make the Petition Drive a success ang get us to the County Committee Hearings. Mr Nakamura had to relocate his family out of state and was no longer able to participate as a Chief Petitioner.
Rosie O'Donnell - Wiseburn Chief Petitioner 2004-2005
Rosie Marie Connor-O'Donnell took Tony Nakamura's place in 2004. Rosie's presentations at the State Hearings in 2004 as she spoke out for the Wiseburn children were valuable and inspirational. Rosie was unable to stay in the Wiseburn district, however, she continues to dedicate her time and effort to our cause
John Peterson - Wiseburn Chief Petitioner 2001-2005
John Peterson was also one of the original Chief Petitioners when we began our quest in 2001. John's motivation, drive, dedication , endless hours and expertise in the Unification process helped carry this movement from the Wiseburn district to the County and all the way to the State Board. John Peterson had to relocate his family out of state and was no longer able to participate as Chief Petitioner, however, John continues to be involved. He is determined to see the Wiseburn Unification through to the end.
Daniel Juarez - Wiseburn Chief Petitioner 2006-2010
Daniel Juarez took John Peterson's place in 2006 as a Chief Petitioner. Daniel's contributions to this effort was invaluable and we are grateful for all the time, energy, and effort he put in an continues to put in supporting in between his many important responsibilities to the community. In order to effectively focus on and administer his duties as the Mayor Pro Tem and with the City of Hawthorne and responsibilities associeated with his new work assignment with a major aerospace company, he reluctantly stepped down as Chief Petitioner, however, Daniel continues to dedicate as much time as he possibly can to this important cause.