LOS ALAMITOS : Alternatives to Sale of School on Agenda

A community group opposed to the proposed sale or lease of Oak Middle School will present possible alternatives today to the Los Alamitos Unified School District Board of Education.

Leaders of Save Oak School, who are trying to persuade school board members to spare the school, are expected to present several proposals to generate revenue for the school district, which officials say is facing a $1.9-million shortfall next school year.

Richard Kichline of SOS said last week that there are several ways the district can pay for certain school programs without selling the 23-acre school site or entering into a long-term lease.

Kichline said the district could create a partnership with other school districts to share technology and personnel, or enter into purchasing agreements to earn discounts from suppliers. Another is to look at the district’s $9-million reserves and find the best way to utilize it, Kichline said.

The reserves, which came from the sale of three properties in the last seven years, are generating more than $600,000 yearly in interest and helping pay operating expenses, district officials said.

The school board has scheduled a public hearing on the issue for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Los Alamitos High School Performing Arts Center and for next Monday, also at 7 p.m., at McGaugh Elementary School in Seal Beach.

School Board President Keith I. Polakoff said the public hearings are intended to solicit ideas from the community on the proposed development of Oak Middle School and three other district properties.

The Weaver Elementary School site, the District Office/Laurel High School site and portions of the Los Alamitos Elementary/Laurel Park site are also being considered for possible lease or sale.