High School Proposes New Animation, AP Environmental Science and Math Classes

In its first meeting with , the Cabrillo Unified Governing Board discussed the marketability of selling surplus property and additional curriculum at .

There has been much discussion of the sale or lease of the excess CUSD properties in order to alleviate some of the amounting pressures of the district’s ongoing deficit.

“It’s a player in this budget gamer you’re playing,” said Superintendent Robert Gaskill.

However, the board showed concern that the action could not move further without appropriate legal counsel.

“I consulted with an attorney to find out the process we would have to go through,” said CUSD Superintendent Robert Gaskill. “We found out things are never as easy as you hoped they’d be.”

The legal process would be a lengthy one, Gaskill said.

There are currently two vacant pieces of property owned by CUSD in the El Granada area.

However, the most commercially viable property, the board agreed, is located at the intersection of Highway 1 and Kelly Avenue. According to Gaskill, this particular property will be subdivided into three parcels.

Among the many technicalities involved with selling any CUSD owned properties is the sale to private or public entities.

“The theory is that public entities have a right to look at that property,” Gaskill said.

Board member Freya McCamant commented that she would favor a public entity.

“It would be wonderful if we could find a public entity that wants to use it for recreational or educational purposes,” she said.

However, President John Moseley expressed that he was uncomfortable with the board’s role in deciding the marketability or sale of district property.

“We don’t manage the project,” Moseley said. “We approve or disapprove or modify the project.”

Moseley said he would feel more comfortable if the staff or possibly a subcommittee managed any plans concerning property.

Board member Kirk Riemer said the discussion will remain somewhat stagnant until a bid is made.

“If someone presents us with an offer then we can entertain it,” he said.

The staff will continue to research the possibility of leasing or selling surplus property with more detail to come in future meetings, Gaskill said.

Representatives of Half Moon Bay High School presented proposals for eight new courses in math, science and animation.

HMBHS Principal Mary Streshly spoke proudly of her staff that, despite economic hardships, they have developed new courses in order to better prepare students for college.

“I am heartened by the fact it’s coming from the staff and from the teachers,” Streshly said. “As a staff we’ve come together.”

The proposed courses include: Advanced Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus BC, College Prep Math, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics and Animation 1.

If approved, the courses would be implemented in the 2012-2013 school year.

Streshly stressed the high school’s aim to extend science courses to appeal to students who may be interested in pursuing scientific subjects at the college level.

“Environmental Science really bridges the gap between life science and physical science,” said HMBHS Science Department co-chair Barbara Hedrick.

McCamant, who studied Environmental Science, praised the proposal.

“I think it’s a very timely and important subject,” she said.

While AP classes are suited for math inclined students, the College Prep Math class is geared toward students who may not necessarily be interested in studying math, but would like to maintain math skills so that they are not placed in a lower level math class in college.

Dave Jones, math and web design teacher, said he believes the animation course will spark interest with math students.

“The long term vision I have is to create career opportunities for the kids,” he said.

The board commended teachers and Principal Streshly for their work and will be voting on the approval of the courses in December.

The next Cabrillo Unified School District Governing Board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at Farallone View Elementary School on Dec. 8.

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