By Julie BUTCHER

On a vote of 6 to 3, the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization voted on Wednesday to approve a petition to transfer the schools in the Sagebrush area of La Cañada Flintridge from the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) to the La Cañada Unified School District (LCUSD), paving the way for an end to a territorial and jurisdictional debate that has raged since the 1960s.

The GUSD may appeal this decision to the California State Board of Education, as it has in the past, but Wednesday’s vote is a win for the folks who have been advocating and organizing for the move for the approximately 380 acres of western La Cañada Flintridge, which includes an “averaged number of 387” students.

“Glendale schools are good. It’s a fine school district,” Sagebrush parent Betina Pavri explained, “but it’s always been a little awkward to not be in the same school district as the friends [my son] plays soccer with. The vast majority of us in the city of La Cañada want to go. La Cañada wants us.”

President of the Crescenta Valley Town Council, Henry Leon, questioned the need for the transfer.

“Families already have the option of going to either school,” Leon said.

LCUSD Superintendent Wendy Sinnette expressed confidence that the districts would continue to work together cooperatively “no matter what.”

“We’re part of the Five Star Coalition and SELPA [Special Education Local Plan Area] for the benefit of all the students,” said Sinnette.

More than 200 people attended the morning meeting in Downey, overflowing the main boardroom and requiring an added room to accommodate the crowd.

Myrna Castrejón, president and CEO of the California Charter School Association, was among the dozens who addressed the board committee on both sides of the issue. She explained how she and her family made the decision to attend Glendale schools even though she lives in Sagebrush.

“For us, it was a choice between two outstanding districts. We chose to move to Sagebrush where my son found his tribe, his learning community. His first day at Mountain Avenue [elementary school] he came home and told me that half the school plays an instrument. What gets a 14-year-old jumping out of bed at 5 a.m.?” Castrejón said.

New GUSD superintendent Dr. Vivian Ekchian addressed the values of the Glendale school district, its diversity and choices, adding that any family that wants a transfer to the LCUSD would get one, that there would be no obstacles to enabling families to make choices for themselves.

“Our focus is on what’s best for children and their families,” Ekchian said.

Sagebrush parent Daniel DiMundo spoke against the petition, in favor of the larger community.

“We buy soap at the La Cañada farmers’ market on Saturday and succulents at the Montrose farmers’ market on Sunday,” he said of being active within both school districts.

Tom Smith told the board that “La Cañada is a company town” and “there is an undeniable affinity” between the city and its schools.

After extensive public comment, members of the committee were quick to jump in to comment. AJ Willmer recalled his days on the Beverly Hills school board and shared how beneficial it was for the city and the school district to be coterminous.

The vote and decision may be appealed.

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GUSD Superintendent
Dr. Vivian Ekchian released the following statement regarding the Sagebrush vote:

“We are disappointed to report that the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization voted to approve a petition to transfer a portion of land referred to as the Sagebrush territory from Glendale Unified to La Cañada Unified School District. This decision went against the recommendation from the LA County Office of Education staff to deny the petition.

“The decision is only one step in a very long process. Glendale Unified has 30 days to decide if we want to appeal the County Committee’s decision to the California Dept. of Education. Over the coming weeks, the Glendale Unified Board of Education will consider all options and make a decision that is in the best interest of our students.

“Ultimately, the territory transfer must be approved by a community vote in order to be finalized. The LA County Committee will determine which members of the Glendale and La Canada communities will be eligible to vote on the territory transfer at a later date.

“Regardless of the eventual outcome of the territory transfer, we remain committed to providing an exceptional education that prepares our youth for success in college, career and life. We want every student to find their passion and feel a sense of belonging in our schools. In addition to rigorous instruction, we proudly offer a wide range of dual immersion, visual and performing arts, athletics, science and technology, and Career and Technical Education programs, many of which are open to students living in- and outside our district boundaries.

“Every student and family is welcome in Glendale Unified schools. We are excelling together to provide our students with endless pathways for success.”

  Julie BUTCHER