Unification should go to vote

Last week, an advisory panel to the California State Board of Education recommended that the state allow Camarillo voters the chance to decide whether PVSD should unify and include high school students from Camarillo and Somis.

Next week, the board of education will hear arguments on both sides of the issue before it makes a final decision.

It's unknown how long it will be before the state hands down its verdict, but it's encouraging to know the advisory board supports a public vote.

The debate over unification has been a longstanding and contentious battle between PVSD and the Oxnard Union High School District. It's a complicated issue with positive and negative arguments on both sides.

The Camarillo Acorn supports a public vote to decide whether or not PVSD should unify.

Residents should hear from those who support and oppose the district's unification and decide for themselves how Camarillo's schools should be run. The vote should include residents who live within the boundaries of PVSD and the city's two largest high schools- Adolfo Camarillo and Rio Mesa- because they are the ones most affected by unification.

If the issue does go to a vote, however, the inevitable campaigns that will be waged by both camps should be civil, honest and without mudslinging. The facts should be presented without bias or personal opinion.

Finally, with regard to campaign financing, it would be nice to see both sides commit to matching any money spent promoting their stance with a donation to be split equally between PVSD and the two high schools.

Who knows? The money raised could help finance a new high school.