The Ventura Unified School District has picked a company to begin negotiations on developing the property of the district office, one of four surplus properties that the district is trying to sell as it faces financial challenges.
The district, seeing rising operational costs, including utilities, healthcare and supplies, made the decision to sell properties it no longer needs in order to increase revenue. It is also looking to turn some properties into workforce housing as a way to help families and school employees who are struggling to find affordable housing.
For some of the surplus properties, the district is negotiating with affordable housing developers.
The properties are the district office at 255 W. Stanley Ave., the Jewett Estate, the Avenue School site and the Washington School site.
The board voted 4-1 in closed session at a May 19 special meeting to begin negotiations with MW Investment Group and HCD Investments to develop the district office. Board President James Forsythe said the group was selected after seven proposals were reviewed.
“The underlying terms of the offer, such as the price, closing escrow timing and deposit, were in the district’s best interest,” Forsythe said in a statement.
District officials have said negotiations are confidential, and board members cannot publicly discuss the reasons for their votes.
“The board has stated that exploring the option of being able to offer affordable workforce housing to our staff will remain a priority as surplus property negotiations move forward,” said Marieanne Quiroz, director of communications for the Ventura Unified School District in an email on May 20.
During an April 7 special board meeting, the board voted to begin negotiations with Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. for the Jewett Estate, Ventura Housing for the Avenue School property and City Ventures for the Washington School property.
Board member Shannon Fredericks voted against entering into negotiations with MW Investment Group and HCD Investments for the district office. She also voted against negotiating with City Ventures for the Washington School property.
No members of the public spoke at the May 19 meeting.
Before any agreement is approved, a public hearing will be held, according to a news release. The proposed agreement will then be presented during a regular Board of Education meeting in open session for action.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura school district advances plan to sell its properties
Reporting by Wes Woods II, Ventura County Star / Ventura County Star
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