School Panel Delays Creating Board on Sale of Properties

Although the Simi Valley school district is searching for extra cash, the school board Tuesday delayed forming a committee to decide which parcels the district should sell.

Selling excess property is necessary, said Assistant Supt. Dave Kanthak, because the Simi Valley Unified School District needs about $2 million for technological improvements and $100 million to modernize its 26 campuses.

Over two study sessions last week and Monday night, board members indicated the campuses they prefer to sell: Walnut Grove Elementary School, which is leased to Grace Brethren Church and School, and Belwood Elementary School, which is leased to a variety of day-care providers.

Kanthak had originally suggested selling Arroyo Elementary School, but he said he is pleased that trustees seem ready to sell any of the district’s four surplus campuses.

Walnut Grove, Belwood, Arroyo and Arcane elementary schools all have been unused by the district since the early 1980s.

Walnut Grove could not be sold until 2000 because of a long-term lease to Grace Brethren. It has not yet been appraised for sale.

Belwood, which was valued in March at about $1 million, could be sold at any time.

The property committee--which is to be made up of teachers, PTA members and business people--is expected to be formed next month and make its recommendations to the school board in January.