Wants to Right the Record

We appreciate the CV Weekly coverage of the Sagebrush Territory Transfer Petition.  Unfortunately, the Jan. 24 article [Superintendent Weighs in on Territory Transfer] contains outdated and inaccurate information that could mislead readers. It is understandable that the debate on the merits and impacts of the transfer petition has differing views. However, it’s the significance of the impacts to GUSD and the CV community that demands the greater scrutiny. The following information, which is readily verifiable, is provided to help clarify that judgment.

Sagebrush is tiny compared to GUSD as a whole, representing less than 2% of GUSD by all metrics, including population, enrollment and real property assessed valuation (AV). Today there are more Sagebrush students attending LCUSD schools (215) than GUSD’s three local schools (189).  Also, the CEQA consultant did not identify “over 500 school-age children” in Sagebrush. Instead, they applied a student “generation factor” more applicable to a proposed new residential development.

For years, GUSD has asserted that it would lose $2.7 million annually from the transferred students. That figure is based on 2016-17 Sagebrush enrollment, not accounting for the significant number that have already transferred, and that the figure continues to decrease under the current permissive permitting policy. Additionally, GUSD fails to offset any claimed lost revenue with the education expense savings of not educating transferred students, as state criterion requires. Contrary to what was mentioned in the article, neither capitol advisors nor county staff conducted an independent financial analysis to address the disagreement regarding the magnitude of claimed impacts. 

Notwithstanding the fact that significantly fewer Sagebrush students (nearly 50%) now attend Mountain Avenue Elementary, its enrollment has remained stable during the past five years and GUSD has confirmed no harm or disruption to its programs.

Sagebrush students would not “have to transfer in the upcoming school year.” Even without an appeal, a territory transfer could not be formalized until the 2020-21 school year.  Additionally, there would be no forced transfer or “taking away of choice” as stated in the article since LCUSD has recently formalized its commitment to grant permits to all Sagebrush students wishing to remain at GUSD after the transfer.

The article also mentions higher taxes for GUSD property owners. While true, any increase would be hardly significant and would still keep the tax rate below the $60 per $100K AV that GUSD promised. With Sagebrush representing a mere 1.85% of GUSD’s total AV, the annual increase to the average GUSD taxpayer would amount to $4.98.

Sagebrush students are unlike their LCUSD and GUSD counterparts who benefit from the educational enrichment benefits of the social and community capital inherent in the city/school district symbiosis. The permit process is cumbersome, restrictive and revocable, which is why a permanent transfer is needed.

Nick Karapetian

La Cañada