DM school board modifies specifications for district office requirements

By Karen Billing

After the Del Mar Union School District's realtor Chuck Wasker told the board of trustees that there was a "dearth" of property options available that meet their selected district office requirements, the trustees decided to modify their specifications.
Wasker reported that there are only 16 buildings that meet the district’s criteria within the district boundaries and only one of those buildings is for sale. Among the requirements is that the building be between 10,000 and 25,000 square feet.
"Maybe we need to expand our universe," said trustee Doug Perkins. "I'm surprised at how small our universe is."
The board adapted the realtors' search to include spaces under 10,000 square feet and up to 30,000 square feet within its $8.5 million price range, the money from the sale of the Shores. The board will also allow the realtors to look at spaces just outside the district boundaries.
Wasker said there are a number of properties just outside the district boundaries in the range of 15,000 to 25,000 square feet. On the plus side, he said Sorrento Valley spaces are much cheaper than the Del Mar Village, El Camino Real and High Bluff corridors.
Realtors Wasker and Mark Kagen began their search for buildings to lease or purchase, as well as available plots of land to buy, in February 2009. In April, when the 7-11 Committee formed, the property search was called off as the committee went through its process of exploring whether surplus space existed within the district.
As the 7-11 process neared a close the search was renewed to find buildings to purchase, not lease. But as the timeline narrows for the school district to find a new home (the district needs to be out of the Shores by May 2011), the board told the realtors to look at leasing options as well as purchase options.
"Now is a good time to be in the leasing market," said Wasker. "It's a tenant's market and there is opportunity in your district boundaries to [lease]." He said the average cost of rent for a 10,000-square-foot space would be about $20,000 a month. There also might be additional costs to make tenant improvements.
Wasker said the biggest concern about leasing is that the funds from the sale of the Shores property cannot be used to lease a building, the leasing money would have to come out of the general fund. Superintendent Sharon McClain said it would be a difficult decision to use that general fund money as it is meant for student programs.
"The lease wouldn't be the best option for us, but the board might be forced into that by other circumstances," McClain said.
Del Mar Hills parent Beth Westburg said she was "dumbfounded" that the district is just now finding out that only one of 16 properties is for sale.
"You have created a huge mess," Westburg told the board. "How are you going to fix this?"
The board has yet to make a decision on the findings of the 7-11 Committee's final report. While the committee did not reach a consensus on surplus space options, such as closing Del Mar Hills or reconfiguring Del Mar Hills, Carmel Del Mar, Ashley Falls or Torrey Hills to make room for the district office, those proposals are still on the table for the board's consideration.
Torrey Hills parent Lee Parnell told the board that he thinks the option to build a new office on the Torrey Hills site is inappropriate because of the number of new homes and townhouses being built in the area, which will increase traffic as well as population.
"We need to keep our space preserved for current and future students," Parnell said.
Ashley Falls parent Heidi Niehart reminded the board of the zoning and joint-use issues the district will face if they opt to place the office at Ashley Falls.
Niehart said she wishes the board would come to a timely conclusion on the 7/11 Committee's report, as it would go a long way to calming parent fears.
"I'm incredibly cross because I don't feel anyone can make a decision," Del Mar Hills parent John Spence said. "The only way you will make a decision is if you have a deadline before you."
He urged the board to set a deadline and lock themselves in a room until they make a decision. As a new parent in the district, he said he has been very confused and frustrated.
"I would have never sent my kids to this school [had I known the situation] because it has a big cloud over it," Spence said.
At the Jan. 27 board meeting, the board opted to renew the district realtors’ contract for an additional six months. Superintendent McClain had recommended the contract be for a year, but trustee Steven McDowell said a shorter contract might lead to a faster conclusion.
"There is a sense of urgency," said McDowell. "Let's get going and get it done."