Oxnard school district files unification appeal
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

The Oxnard Union High School District filed an appeal this week with the State Board of Education, arguing that the unification of a K-12 school district in Camarillo does not meet state requirements.

The 10-member Ventura County Committee on School District Organization determined in December that a request to add high school students to the Pleasant Valley School District did meet state-set conditions and qualifed to go before voters.

The Oxnard school district's appeal came as no surprise to unification proponents.

"It was to be expected," said Patty Lerner, the newest member of the Pleasant Valley School District Board of Trustees. "They said they were going to do it."

Ron Speakman, board president, said the filing will further drag out the issue instead of putting it before voters.

"We'll continue to work for our right to vote," he said. The Oxnard school district is contesting the area of election and argues that racial segregation and negative economic and education impacts would result should the unification go through.

The committee, who represents the five county supervisorial districts, decided last month that only voters in Somis and the Pleasant Valley School District would vote on unification.

Tom Griffin, an attorney with the Oxnard district, said voters in the entire Oxnard high school district should be included.

"Frankly, I can't imagine losing on that issue. That's a slam dunk," he said.

And while the committee decided that a K-12 Camarillo school district would not promote racial segregation, Griffin said it's a "classic case of white flight."

A consultant was hired to help the committee members decide on the issue. Although the consultant said that a unified Camarillo school district would promote racial segregation and negatively impact the financial status and educational programs of the two school districts, the committee disagreed with him.

Officials with the Oxnard school district said the committee should have listened to their consultant and denied the request for unification.

"We agree with the consultant that unification could easily put one or both school districts into bankruptcy," Griffin said.

Along with about 20 percent of the students and state income that would have gone to the Oxnard school district, a unified Camarillo school district is likely to get a bill for 20 percent of the retired teachers' benefits as well, Griffin said.

Should Camarillo and Somis students leave the district, Griffin said the district would lose a large percentage of its highperforming students, leaving behind a disproportionate number of English language learners- students who require more teaching resources and district funds.

The state board of education meets every other month. Griffin thinks they'll hold a hearing on the issue in July or September.