Celebrating the school's approval are (L to R) LAUSD's Maria Cano, Councilman Greig Smith's Chief of Staff Mitch Englander, PRNC Board Member Becky Leveque, Castlebay parent Wendy Moore, LAUSD Board Member Tamar Galatzan, PRNC President Mel Mitchell.

The LAUSD School Board voted January 27, 2009 unanimously to accept the Environmental Impact Report and approve funding for the construction of the K-8 school planned at the corner of Mason and Sesnon. This vote happened right on schedule and the school is progressing as planned towards a Fall 2012 opening.

Mitch Englander, Councilman Greig Smith's Chief of Staff, spoke to the Board about the unique partnership of the community, Neighborhood Council, Councilman's office and Shapell Industries that has made this possible. He pointed out that this process began back in 1991 with Board Member Julie Korenstein. PRNC President Mel Mitchell spoke about the community's passion in support of the school. PRNC Board Member Becky Leveque thanked all the LAUSD Board members who have been involved with this and pursued it over the many years to this point. Castlebay parent Wendy Moore spoke about the need for the school and the parents' excitement about getting it built.

LAUSD Board Member Tamar Galatzan, who represents this area spoke about how this community is actually excited to build and attend a community public school and Julie Korenstein described how the school was planned for in the Porter Ranch Specific Plan.

"This is truly a major accomplishment and a great day for the residents of Porter Ranch. We have worked closely with the community, Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council and LAUSD to bring this much needed school to our community" Mitchell Englander, Chief of Staff to Councilman Greig Smith.

LAUSD's Maria Cano explained that this approval will allow the project to go to bid and the construction to begin. She expects Groundbreaking to be held by the end of June. Congratulations Porter Ranch!