ELECTION 2022 SCHOOL BOARD
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CONTINUING DESIRE FOR ALPINE TO HAVE ITS OWN HIGH SCHOOL?
Erika Simmons
It is important to b e c l e a r that Liberty Charter is not part of the Alpine Union School District. There are approximately 300 students attending Liberty Charter High School and there are less than two dozen students from Alpine. While some refer to Liberty Charter as an Alpine high school, this is a bit disingenuous. I believe in being completely transparent with the community and the details of everything related to education in Alpine. Liberty Charter is located in Alpine, but only temporarily. The Alpine School District board made the decision to become a landlord to Liberty Charter. The school is not governed by nor aligned with the Alpine School District. Liberty Charter is managed by a different school board with its own set of priorities and funding that is completely separate. The Alpine School District board has chosen to rent the old Alpine Elementary School site to Liberty Charter. In September 2020, the San Diego County Planning Commission unanimously approved Liberty Charter’s permits to build its new 48,000 square-foot facility in Rancho San Diego on property it purchased in 2014 for $4 million dollars. With permits issued, the school will likely take 2 – 3 years to build. Liberty Charter High School is not the solution for a high school in Alpine. Alpine needs a high school that is directed by our school board and guided by the Alpine community.
Glenn Dickie
I would love for Grossmont Union to build us our promised high school, and expect discussions to continue formally and informally, as it is always a prospect as long as they own the land in Alpine. • Working with Liberty and Grossmont to bring the Liberty High School to Alpine is one of the Board highlights for 2022. It demonstrates how the board continues to explore all educational opportunities for our community.
Darlene Cossio
Liberty Charter has a strong reputation for providing an excellent education. I think our community is fortunate to have Liberty Charter in Alpine. Of course, since the passing of Proposition U and the purchase of the land on Alpine Boulevard, we all want to see the development of a high school complete with athletics for our students. We want our children to stay with their peers and not have to experience lengthy bus rides to get an education. We want a continuation of the Alpine elementary and middle school experience. If I were a member of the Alpine School Board, I would advocate for having our high school built on the property purchased. Communicating our needs to the Grossmont Union High School board should be a priority.
Eric Wray
We fully support Liberty Charter. It offers a high school program for those that are looking for a charter high school. But I have been supporting and fighting for a high school in Alpine for the past 16 years. This includes suing the State of California and the Grossmont Union School District and fighting for the opportunity to open a new high school, we will continue that fight into the future in order to get a high school for Alpine.
