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Parents push to unify Bonsall schools

Unifying the Bonsall Union School District (BUSD) is the goal of a group of parents currently gathering signatures of registered voters within BUSD who support their vision.

By unifying the district, it would require them to provide education to all students, K-12, and would likely aid in the creation of a district high school, possibly in as little time as six years, said Darlene Mc Cabe, one of the mothers encouraging the effort.

The petition, which BUSD Superintendent Jef Schleiger said was initiated and is supported by the BUSD Board of Trustees, states “the following reasons:

1. We desire to establish a unified school district that will be responsive to the unique needs of our rural and geographically isolated student population.

2. We desire to provide a coordinated, sequential educational program for our children from preschool through twelfth grade.

3. We believe unification will increase collaboration between elementary staff, secondary staff, and the community in our pursuit of national, state, county, and local educational goals.

4. We believe that unification will provide a more effective use of district resources.

5. We believe it is necessary to unify to provide safe and effective services in the specific areas of health care, child nutrition, and special services.

6. We desire a unified educational system whereby educational expectations and accountability are driven by a single Board of Trustees and a single administration representing the Bonsall community.”

During a petition signing on the afternoon of March 30 at Estrella’s restaurant, Mc Cabe said she had only received positive comments in regards to the petition to gain the necessary 1746 signatures to move forward with the process.

Tom Anthony, Superintendent of the Fallbrook Union High School District, where most BUSD high school students attend, said this would “have a financial impact” on FUHSD.

“We met with representatives from their board and said we would in no way try to undermine their efforts [to unify],” said Anthony. “We are going to move forward with our second high school.”

FUHSD is currently seeking property for their second site. Once it is secured, the district will be able to move forward with the efforts said Anthony. He also referenced a third high school possibly in ten years.

The BUSD unification petitioners will be gathering signatures again on April 7 from 11 am - 1 pm at Bonsall Village Center, outside of Dr. Neil Young’s office and on the same day from 4 to 7 pm at Estrella’s Family Restaurant. More information can be found by calling the district at (760) 631-5200.

 

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