We must plan now for future growth

By Kimberlee "Kim" Nichols

We must provide an accurate evaluation of current facility needs as well as assess the needs for future OUSD students

Prior to the 2000 demographic study, it had been 12 years since a study had been completed. To date, nothing has been done with this information. We must incorporate the current census numbers with the demographic study and plan for the future growth in the Anaheim Hills and East Orange areas, as well as address our current overcrowding. According to the demographic study, virtually all Orange Unified Schools will be beyond capacity in 5 years. this is a district wide problem that should have been addressed many years ago.

To provide an appropriate evaluation of school facilities needs, we must first address our current assets. Currently, Vista del Rio (middle school facility) houses the district kitchen, and the administrative offices are located at a former elementary school. It is imperitive that we utilize these facilities for their intended purpose - schools. It is much more cost effective to relocate kitchen facilities and administrative facilities than it is to build an elementary school or a middle school. Another area of focus would be to look at the redrawing of the district boundaries. It would also be appropriate to address the school sites that have low enrollment and modify these facilities to attract students from all areas in Orange Unified, thus maximizing these facilities. An exammple would be to open these schools as magnet schools or charter schools.