The Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) Board of Education took action on three VUSD surplus properties during a Special Board of Education meeting held on April 7.
The properties include the Jewett Estate, Avenue School site, and Washington School site. Following years of public discussion at regular Board meetings, and after reviewing multiple proposals and considering community input, the Board identified entities to move forward with in the negotiation process for each site.
For the Jewett Estate, located near Ralston and Beaver Streets, the Board voted unanimously (5-0) to continue negotiations with Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation. For the Avenue School site, located at 2647 North Ventura Avenue, the Board also voted unanimously (5- 0) to move forward with Ventura Housing. For the Washington School site, located at 96 MacMillan Avenue, the Board voted 4-1 to continue negotiations with City Ventures, with Trustee Fredericks voting no.
Next Steps: The District enter into negotiations with each selected entity. Any proposed agreement will return to the Board of Education for consideration at a public hearing, followed by action at a regular Board meeting in open session. While negotiations are ongoing, details of the proposals will remain confidential. Once negotiations are complete, all submitted proposals will be made available to the public on the District’s website. VUSD will continue to provide updates through Board meetings, press releases, the News and Updates webpage, VUSD Connections newsletters, and social media.
The Board’s responsibility is to ensure that District properties are used in ways that best support students and staff. As part of this work, the Board has been exploring opportunities, including workforce housing, to help recruit and retain high-quality educators by providing more affordable housing options. Like many districts across California and the nation, VUSD continues to face financial challenges. Rising operational costs, including utilities, healthcare, and supplies, combined with declining enrollment due to lower birth rates and shifting population trends, have placed ongoing pressure on the District’s budget. Additionally, the increasing cost of living in Ventura County has made it more difficult for families and school employees to remain in the community. These factors are part of broader, long-term planning efforts that include evaluating surplus properties, addressing budget challenges, and ensuring the District can continue to provide high-quality educational opportunities for all students.
For more information, visit the VUSD News and Updates page: www.venturausd.org/about/news-updates.
