Announcements – Page 37 – El Cerrito Democratic Club

Longtime El Cerrito resident Rose Matychak Lernberg, June 19, 1927 – June 6, 2016, passed away peacefully at Chaparral House in Berkeley after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her husband Ronald. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. Rose was born in New York State and graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1943. She had a career first in business management and then as a school librarian. Rose was active and well known in her community and she received many awards from the city of El Cerrito for her efforts. She worked tirelessly for animal rights and was an active contributor to the Democratic Party, joining the El Cerrito Democratic Club at its founding in 1952 and maintaining her membership for the rest of her life.

In her home life she loved children, and was an outstanding seamstress who knit many beautiful sweaters; she will also be fondly remembered for her prowess in the kitchen. Many thanks from her family go to Chaparral House for their outstanding medical care and kindness to Rose. Special mention must be made for the help of her caregivers, Divine Barcinas and Gloria Simbulan. A memorial service is pending. See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/eastbaytimes/obituary.aspx?n=rose-matychak-lernberg&pid=180284809&fhid=5486#sthash.Fbq8LugC.dpuf

On June 15, 2016, the West Contra Costa Unified School District (“WCCUSD” or “District”) will vote on the next steps of the District’s Master Facilities Plan: the Implementation Plan. This Implementation Plan will accommodate the many different facility priorities that neighborhood schools face in light of declining bond dollars.

First, Fairmont Elementary school – an oversubscribed school that suffers from severe overcrowding issues – was originally slated for a relocation into the former Korematsu Middle School temporary campus (“Phase 1”) and a demolition of the original facility (“Phase 2”). However, without a definitive rebuild date, Fairmont Elementary Parents opposed the move.

Instead of moving forward with the Fairmont rebuild, the school district has proposed spending bond dollars on the current dilapidated site. Now, Fairmont will receive a “critical needs assessment” to attend to critical repairs. The exact scope of this “critical needs assessment” will be determined at the June 15 board meeting.

Secondly, Cameron School – an Early Intervention School for pre-K children with special needs – will no longer be relocated to North Campus in San Pablo. Before, Darden Architects proposed moving the site so that Cameron School could be rebuilt. However, the school board expressed doubts about this proposal. Now, the school board will consider various options for Cameron.

Do you want to influence the District’s Master Facilities Plan? Make your voice heard by attending the Facilities Subcommittee meetings or attend a school board meeting. Simply log onto www.wccusd.net for more information.