Alhambra : Study of School Sites

In an apparent reversal of its previous position, the Alhambra Board of Education has directed its staff to recommend a districtwide study of sites for a fifth high school. Associate Supt. John Perko said the board is expected to formally approve going ahead with the study June 17.

In April, despite opposition from residents near the sites, the Alhambra board had narrowed its choices to three locations in Rosemead south of the San Bernardino Freeway. An environmental impact report was ordered for those locations.

But Tuesday night, after a joint meeting with the Rosemead City Council, which reiterated community opposition to the south Rosemead sites, the Alhambra Board went into closed session and asked its staff to recommend an expanded site survey, Perko said.

The Alhambra High School District serves students from elementary school districts in Rosemead, San Gabriel, Monterey Park and Alhambra, but all four of its campuses--Alhambra, Mark Keppel, San Gabriel and Century Continuation School--are in the city of Alhambra. The district wants to build a fifth campus in south Rosemead to relieve overcrowding at existing schools.