Building of Schools in Subdivision Assured

A developer and the Moorpark Unified School District board have reached an agreement that ensures the construction of at least three new schools in the sprawling Hidden Creek Ranch subdivision.

The agreement stipulates that Costa Mesa-based Messenger Investment Co. will provide at least 50% of the funding needed to build new schools for students expected to move into the development, said company Vice President Gary Austin.

In addition, the agreement stipulates that Messenger will pay, in advance, 100% of construction costs if the school district does not get additional funding from Sacramento. Provided state funds become available later, the district would reimburse Messenger 50% of the cost.

At a school board meeting Tuesday, Austin presented a map of the proposed development showing potential sites for a high school or middle school and two elementary schools.

The company will also provide $250,000 to plan for the new schools. It may also dole out additional funds for class-size reduction programs in upper grades and the district’s potential partnership with Moorpark College to build a joint-use facility.

But the agreement could be rendered moot if the Hidden Creek Development is shot down in a Jan. 12 special election. Anti-growth activists have targeted the development as a threat to open space in the community that could potentially turn Moorpark into another crowded Southland borough.