Update on the new cres

[MoonMan]

easy Martha...you were initially responding to my suggestion that you will be eating crow, and my confidence that a school would be built at the current site. You then casted doubt regarding the intelligence/practices of the school board, which had just approved the purchase of land. I was left with the assumption that you doubted their intelligence/brilliance in doing what they have been doing for that site...If my assumptions are in error, I'll take a bite of that humble pie (which appears to be spoiling).

Cautious optimism is understandable...however, when was the last (first) time the school board approved the purchase of any land for a school site out here? I don't think they have.

Comparing this situation to previous ones (even the donation offer) is apples to oranges (at best).

It's happening...let's jump in and support/help this process along, rather than sit and question billiance and motives.

[MoonMan]

I DO agree that EGUSD made some bad decisions for schools in other areas, and those decisions were based on projected development...the same criticism can be (and has) been levied against many of our local, state, and federal agencies in the midst of our inflated economy the past 5-10 years.

[Luke]

EGUSD is certainly not alone. I took the young Luke to an Episcopal diocese youth program he is on the staff for at St. John's in Roseville. I couldn't find it, until I realized it was actually located in a Middle School in the Fiddyment Farm development. Apparently, the Church has leased the school, which isn't being used by the school district up there - although it's completely built.

[scottyo118]

There are about to be a slew of uninhabited schools in many districts in the next few years. As someone involved in education in another district, there is talk of up to 13 school closures in one district alone.

Anyone interested in opening a new charter?

[wiltonca]

As dangerous as it might be for me to post here I just want to say a few things. Schools are supposed to be built simultaneously with the growth that causes the need. In the Anatolia area the growth was clearly sufficient for an elementary school so Sunrise Elementary was built. The master plan in that area calls for 3-5 more elementary schools and 2 middle/high schools but all that building is on hold as the growth has stopped. As for the Madeira area there are some 4500 building permits issued in that subdivision. Thus the State, which funds all school construction, funded the school in anticipation of the houses being built approximately simultaneously with the school. When the District was allocated the state funds to build the schools it would have been foolish to turn those funds down. No one anticipated the depth of the housing recession so the school was built out and the houses basically stopped. The District did not open the school for 2 years to save money. But now, by using open enrollment and adjusting some boundaries, Cosumnes Oaks High School and Pinkerton Middle school will have about 2,000 students this next year. This has allowed Franklin to ease its overcrowding by almost 500 students. It further helped Sheldon High go from over 3,000 students to about 2400, and Laguna Creek to go from 2400 to about 1750. Pleasant Grove High will be at about 2200. Considering that our enrollments are pretty balanced and not facing overcrowding like they were a few years ago I think criticism of the District's building program is unwarranted. Schools are built for the long term. This real estate crisis is a short term problem. The houses will eventually be built in the Madeira area and then the school will be up and running.


As to CRES, stop with the negativity already. We will close escrow on the land next week, put the project out to bid immediately thereafter, with construction to commence the day after school gets out in June. How much more clear can the situation be? We have great sellers in this transaction who have bent over backward to work out the millions of little details that such a project entails. All the agencies who have a say have fast-tracked their approvals and the District has worked out a plan with parents who want the students to stay on site during construction. Finally, the school will be built. There are no impediments even after more than a year of working on this new site proposal. My only question is "Can I help serve the crow?"

Brian Myers
School Board Member

[Luke]

Thanks, Wilton. Hopefully, the naysaying will be put to rest. Let's just hope the crow doesn't turn out like this:

YouTube - National Lampoon Christmas Vacation Dinner Scene

YouTube - National Lampoon Christmas Vacation Dinner Scene

[pingtheduck]

Thank you Mr. Meyers for posting here. As always we appreciate you speaking candidly and directly especially in this real time format. I think it is indicative of an open, direct leader who is not afraid to speak his mind.

Forgive those of us who are in the middle of this and have kids attending CRES. Our kids' school is one of the biggest concerns we have. So, we consider the worst case scenario even at the risk of seeming negative.

Thank you again for your open and honest communication. It's one of the big three I look for in leadership.

[MoonMan]

Originally Posted by wiltonca

As to CRES, stop with the negativity already. ...My only question is "Can I help serve the crow?"

THANK YOU!!! (unfortunately, as you know quite clearly, some people out here don't think the rules apply to us, and will never be satisfied, because rumors and conspiracy theories are far too fun for them).

ABSOLUTELY! (heck, you can serve up the portion I was going to serve...you deserve it!)

[Maximus]

Brian, thank you for the update. Excuse me if you have answered this before, but when is the new school scheduled to be completed? My son is in 4th grade at CRES and I hope he can spend at least one full year at the brand new school.

How exciting for the kids! (Parents and teachers too.)

[Luke]

My working understanding, Max, subject of course to verification from Wilton, is that they will begin moving dirt this summer, continue with construction through the year, and then finish up in time for your son to attend 6th grade at the new CRES.