05/18/04: Letter from Office of District Organization for July 8 Hearing
Waiver #1 on May 25 Board Meeting Agenda
Waiver #2 on May 25 Board Meeting Agenda
01/21/04: Letter from Office of District Organization
11/26/03: Letter from Office of District Organization
04/18/2003: Letter from Office of School District Organization
Phase IV - Dept of Education Process and Meetings
-- Unification Status --
October 12, 2009
California Department of Education will be presenting the EIR analysis and their recommendation to the State Board of Education at the November 18-19, 2009 SBE meeting. We are currently waiting for the specific date and time.
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-- Unification Status --
October 22, 2008
California Department of Environmental Services is currently in the process of preparing responses to all the comments regarding the draft EIR. Once that is complete we will have a better idea of an estimated timeline for our petition to be presented by the California Department of Education to the State Board of Education.
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July 17, 2008
Terry Hayes and Associates (TAHA) have completed the Draft EIR for the Wiseburn Unification. This document is now available to the public and can be accessed at the following locations:
Wiseburn Public Library
5335 W. 135th St.
Hawthorne, CA 90250-4948
Phone: (310) 643-8880.
Wiseburn District Office
13530 Aviation Blvd.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Phone: (310) 643-3025
There will be a public hearing at Dana Middle School.
Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Dana Middle School Multipurpose Room
5504 W. 135th Street
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Mark your calendars and plan to attend to show your support!
See you all there!
You can access the Draft EIR via pdf download at the following link from the TAHA website:
For the Draft EIR - http://webtaha.com/FTP/Formation.of.Wiseburn.Draft.EIR.pdf
For NOA English - http://webtaha.com/FTP/Wiseburn.NOA.pdf
For NOA Spanish - http://webtaha.com/FTP/Wiseburn.NOA.Spanish.Translation.pdf
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-- Unification Status --
June 21, 2008
We continue in Phase IV of the unification process – generation of the EIR (Environmental Impact Report). Back in August 2007 the state approved the additional funds to complete the EIR by Terry Hayes and Associates (TAHA).
TAHA completed their Notice of Preparation (NOP) public scoping meetings phase. During these meetings TAHA and the Department of General Services explained to the community about the EIR process and allowed the community to comment publicly. The meeting notice was posted at the Wiseburn Public Library and at the Wiseburn District Office.
We are still on track for a draft EIR, however, we are hearing the target date is now around July/August of 2008. Please keep an eye open for a public notice announcing the timeline for public comments.
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-- Unification Status --
April 25, 2008
We are in Phase IV of the unification process – generation of the EIR (Environmental Impact Report). The state approved the additional funds to complete the EIR by Terry Hayes and Associates (TAHA). TAHA completed their Notice of Preparation (NOP) public scoping meetings phase. During these meetings TAHA and the Department of General Services explained to the community about the EIR process and allowed the community to comment publicly. The meeting notice was posted at the Wiseburn Public Library and at the Wiseburn District Office.
We are on track for a draft EIR around May/June of 2008. Please keep an eye open for a public notice announcing the timeline for public comments.
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-- Unification Status --
August 30, 2007
Good news…the state has approved the required funding to complete the Environmental Impact Report needed to move forward with the Wiseburn Unification process. At this time the estimated time for completion of a draft report is sometime in March 2008 and a public hearing around April 2008.
Special thanks to everyone that took time out of their busy lives to write the board and request that the funding be approved.
Your voices were heard!
We will keep you informed as we receive more information moving forward.
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-- Unification Status --
May 19, 2007
The time limit for the public scoping phase of the EIR process has ended as of Tuesday May 15, 2007. Currently we are waiting for the next phase of the EIR process to commence.
For those of you who had an opportunity to write in some public comments regarding the Environmental Impace of the New High School in Wiseburn, thank you!
We will keep you informed as we receive more information moving forward.
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-- Unification Status --
April 13, 2007
Terry Hayes and Associates (TAHA) has begun the EIR process. We are currently in the Notice of Preparation (NOP) public scoping meeting phase. This is where TAHA and the Department of General Services explains to the community about the EIR process and allows the community to comment publicly. Please send your comments to the Department of General Services explaining your thoughts on how a new high school in Wiseburn will NOT negatively affect our environment or how it may have a positive affect on the environment. You can submit your comments using one of the following methods below:
1. E-mail to wiseburn@webtaha.com
2. Fax letter to: 310-839-4201
3. Write letter to:
Ms Jane Hershberger, Senior Environmental Planner
California Department of General Services
Environmental Services Section
707 Third Street, Suite 3-400
West Sacramento, CA 95605-2811
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-- Unification Status --
April 2007
TAHA has begun the EIR process. We are currently in the NOP public scoping meeting phase. This is where TAHA and the Department of General Services explains to the community about the EIR process and allows the community to comment publicly. The initial meeting was held today March 28 at Anza. It is very important that we attend and show our support for the Unification. The next meeting will be held on April 12, 2007 during the normal School Board meeting. Please plan to attend if possible. See you all there!
To view the public notice, please click on the link below:
http://webtaha.com/FTP/Formation.of.Wiseburn.Initial.Study.pdf
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-- Unification Status --
January 2007
UNIFACTION STATUS
Currently, we are still in Phase IV which means our petition is still under review and will again go before the California Department of Education (CDE). The CDE is legally mandated to review the “pros and cons” of our petition to unify K-12 grades in the Wiseburn School District (WSD), then submit its recommendation to the SBE.
The Department of General Services has contracted out the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to Terry A Hayes and Associates (TAHA). They have begun the preliminary steps to initiate the EIR study. TAHA is targeting mid February to post a Notice of Preparation for the community. There will be community meetings scheduled soon after to provide information and receive feedback on issues.
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-- Unification Status --
September 2006
UNIFACTION STATUS
Currently, we are still in Phase IV which means our petition is still under review and will again go before the California Department of Education (CDE). The CDE is legally mandated to review the “pros and cons” of our petition to unify K-12 grades in the Wiseburn School District (WSD), then submit its recommendation to the SBE. One requirement of this statutory process is to evaluate the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Wiseburn Unification under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The CDE delegated, or contracted out, this EIR to a local contractor who will start its study and public hearings. The Chief Petitioners contact weekly the CDE in pursuit of better secondary education for our children. Meanwhile, we are looking ahead to our victory.
THE WAY AHEAD IS THE EXPLORATION COMMITTEE
While the Wiseburn Community is waiting for EIR completion, the Chief Petitioners decided to kick-off the Exploration Committee. This popularized approach will help the Wiseburn Community to fashion and develop the Community's ideas of the Wiseburn High School they desire before the board election of the Wiseburn Unified School District (WUSD). The responsibility of the Exploration Committee is to provide community feedback by a written report to the Boards and/or future candidates of the WESD & WUSD on various options for the type of high school , such as academia or full-service, its location and its dress code with or without uniforms, etc. We will be contacting those that have already volunteered and welcome any additional volunteers who would like to help. If you are interested in participating, please provide your contact information via our website at www.oocities.org/unifywiseburn or by e-mail at unifywiseburn@hotmail.com or by phone at 310-676-8052. This Exploration Report (ER) will reflect the Wiseburn Community’s wishes by identifying various options, providing analyses of the pros and cons on each option, the various costs, property tax indebtedness and future desired bond passage. We are an empowered community of people – we have a right to employ our Community’s talents for the betterment of our children. We need you!
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-- Unification Status --
January 12, 2006
Currently we are in Phase IV California State Office and Process Meetings. The state Dept of Education is in the process of completing our Environmental Report.
Exploration Committee
The Exploration Committee is currently on hold until we get back to Phase V Election. The responsibility of the Exploration Committee is to provide community feedback by a written report to the WESD/WUSD Board on options for the type and location of the Wiseburn High School. We have collected names and contact information for those interested and will be contacting them post the State Board of Education approval for the second time.
We want the best education for our children.
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October 30, 2005
-- Unification Status --
Currently we are in Phase IV California State Office and Process Meetings. Due to CVUHSD’s lawsuits, the state has had to complete a new EIR. This means another State hearing in the near future. However, we are confident that we will win. We’ve been down this road before and found our way to Victory. We can do it again.
Exploration Committee
The Exploration Committee is currently on hold until we get back to Phase V Election. The responsibility of the Exploration Committee is to provide community feedback by a written report to the WESD/WUSD Board on options for the type and location of the Wiseburn High School. We have collected names and contact information for those interested and will be contacting them post the State Board of Education approval for the second time.
Lawndale Unification Status
Lawndale is still marching forward with their unification effort. They are currently in Phase I of their project. They are continuing to collect signatures from registered voters and fighting against CVUHSD and against their own Lawndale Elementary School District to establish better high school education for their children.
We want the best education for our children.
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October 03, 2005
Well, here we are again. Back at the State Board of Education and the EIR (Environmental Impact Report). The SBE has begun moving forward with the EIR. We will wait for the result and then it's off to another public hearing.
September 11, 2004
Thank you for all your support. The State Board of Education (SBE) made their decision to allow the Wiseburn Unification effort to go on the March 2005 ballot and to limit the election area only to registered voters in the Wiseburn Elementary School District so long Wiseburn property owners still pay on the Measure C (Election Bond in 2000). Congratulations to the Wiseburn Community, to the teams of people, students, parents, teachers, School District employees and the Wiseburn School Board for their efforts and contributions in making this happen. A job well done.
Where do we go from here? We must get ready for the election by informing the community on all the remaining issues. The three Chief Petitioners, Rosie Connor-O’Donnell, Lydia Rodriguez and I, will have a community meeting after “Back-to-School” nights to discuss about Wiseburn Unification. Remember the Exploration Committee? It is time for the Exploration Committee to get in full swing to where the community explores and presents to the Wiseburn School Board several locations and/or several phases of Wiseburn High School. We are looking for participants. We still have on record from 2001 those community members who have expressed an interest in the Exploration Committee, so if you are interested in helping-out, please let one of the three petitioners know.
Thanks to all….To Success!
-John Peterson
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May 21, 2004
Good News! We have a new date for our State Hearing in Sacramento. Please mark your calendars for July 8, 2004! We'll be asking for supporters who would be willing attend the public state hearing. More details to follow.
In addition the School Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 will present two important items on the agenda related to the Wiseburn Unification.
Waiver #1 - 6:30pm: A waiver approval that would allow the Wiseburn School District to continue to pay our pro-rated share of the Measure C Bond in the event we are approved for Unification. This is very important in helping us keep the vote area within the Wiseburn District boundaries. If you would like to know more, please attend the Tuesday night meeting!
Waver #2 - 6:45pm: A waiver approval Request that would allow Wiseburn to keep the current Board of Education through November 2004. For more information on this waiver, please attend the meeting on Tuesday May 25!
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April 05, 2004
Another delay. The California Department of Education was unable to meet timelines for the March State Board of Education meeting. The Wiseburn proposal has been delayed to March 12-13. 2004.
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December 1, 2003
A slight delay. Due to fiscal circumstances, the California Department of Education must delay the hearing to present the Wiseburn unification proposal to March 10-11, 2004.
The Chief Petitioners
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April 28, 2003
Good news! The Chief Petitioners received a letter from the Office of School District Organization stating that they have begun analysis on our proposal to unify the Wiseburn School District. We anticipate a meeting sometime in October to hear the recommendation.
In the meantime, if you are not registered to vote yet, please register and let your voice be heard! If you know neighbors that have not registered to vote yet, encourage them to do so and be a part of this very important decision that will change the history of the Wiseburn School District and pave the paths for our childrens futures.
Thank you for your continued support!
The Chief Petitioners
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November 13, 2002
We are currently waiting for an appointment with the State Board of Education. Our Petition has been submitted to them with recommendations from LACOE.
Please check back frequently for updates.
Thank you for your continued support.
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.