Berryessa Union School District Elementary School Closure and Consolidation and Attendance Boundary Changes
Summary
SCH Number
2025021010
Public Agency
Berryessa Union School District
(BUSD)
Document Title
Berryessa Union School District Elementary School Closure and Consolidation and Attendance Boundary Changes
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/26/2025
Document Description
The Berryessa Union School District in San Jose approved the closure of Cherrywood, Laneview, and Toyon Elementary Schools (Resolution No. 24-08, December 2024) due to a prolonged enrollment decline of approximately 30.5 percent (1,765 students) since the 1999-00 school year. The closures will consolidate operations into seven receiving schools: Brooktree, Majestic Way, Noble, Northwood, Ruskin, Summerdale, and Vinci Park Elementary Schools. The consolidation plan includes boundary adjustments for all receiving schools, except Vinci Park Elementary School, to align with enrollment needs, ensuring balanced student distribution among the receiving schools.
Enrollment across the receiving schools has shifted significantly, with most schools experiencing declines between 8 percent and 52 percent. Historical peak enrollment data indicate that the majority of receiving schools have previously supported enrollment levels higher than the projected figures, with only minor exceptions at Northwood and Ruskin Elementary Schools, where projections slightly exceed historical peaks. Despite these slight differences, all receiving schools have sufficient operational capacity to accommodate the projected 2025-26 student enrollment.
The consolidation also involves the relocation of several academic programs, such as Mandarin Immersion, Special Day Classes (SDC), and Santa Clara County Office of Education Special Education programs. These relocations have been carefully planned to match the operational capacity of the receiving schools without the need for new classroom facilities. However, if specific classes or electives require additional space, portable classrooms may be installed at Majestic Way, Northwood, and Ruskin Elementary Schools. These additions would remain within regulatory limits, with increases not exceeding 25 percent of the original capacity or 10 portable classrooms at any individual campus or District-wide.
Finally, the proposed project may require the removal of non-native trees at Ruskin Elementary if portable classrooms are added, with replacement trees to be planted as mitigation.
Contact Information
Name
Kevin T. Franklin
Agency Name
Berryessa Union School District
Job Title
Assistant Superintendent
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
San Jose
Counties
Santa Clara
Regions
Citywide
Zip
95131; 32
State Highways
Interstate 680
Waterways
Berryessa Creek
Other Location Info
Brooktree Elementary School, located at 1781 Olivetree Drive, is situated within a developed residential area. The school is surrounded by residential neighborhoods to the north, east, and west, while Brooktree Park borders the site to the south and southwest.
Majestic Way Elementary School, located at 1855 Majestic Way, is situated within a developed residential area. The school is surrounded by residential neighborhoods to the north, south, and east, while Berryessa Creek Park borders the site to the southwest and south. Additionally, the school is adjacent to Berryessa Creek.
Noble Elementary School, located at 3466 Grossmont Drive, is situated within a developed residential area. The school is surrounded by residential neighborhoods to the north and east, while Noble Park borders the site to the west. To the south, the school is bordered by the American Legion Northside Post 858 and Noble Avenue.
Northwood Elementary School, located at 2760 Trimble Road, is situated within a developed residential area. The school is surrounded by residential neighborhoods to the north, east, southeast, and west, while Selwyn Park and Northwood Park Playground border the site to the south. Additionally, Interstate 680 is located approximately 0.13 miles east of the school.
Ruskin Elementary School, located at 1401 Turlock Lane, is situated within a developed residential area. The school is surrounded by residential neighborhoods to the north, south, east, and west. A drainage channel is located west of the school’s grass-covered recreation area. Additionally, the Sunshine School Daycare Center is located southeast of the school.
Summerdale Elementary School, located at 1100 Summerdale Drive, is situated within a developed residential area. The school is surrounded by residential neighborhoods to the northwest, south, and west, and Penitencia Creek Park to the northeast and east.
Vinci Park Elementary School, located at 1311 Vinci Park Way, is situated within a developed residential area. The school is surrounded by residential neighborhoods to the northwest, east, and south, while Vinci Park borders the site to the northeast. Additionally, Interstate 680 is located approximately 0.58 miles northeast of the school.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project qualifies for this exemption as each of the receiving schools are existing facilities and the project consists of the operation and minor alteration of these facilities, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The proposed project may include the installation of up to a combined total of eight portable classrooms at three of the receiving schools without increasing original student capacity by more than 25 percent at any campus.
Brooktree, Noble, Summerdale, and Vinci Park Elementary Schools are expected to accommodate the projected 2025-26 enrollment without requiring portable classrooms, and no physical modifications are anticipated at these campuses as part of the consolidation. However, Majestic Way, Northwood, and Ruskin Elementary Schools may require additional facilities to support the projected 2025-26 enrollment. Majestic Way Elementary may require the addition of two portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 12), Northwood Elementary may require three portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 14), and Ruskin Elementary may also require three portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 15).
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 3; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15303
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project qualifies for this exemption as it may include the installation of up to a combined total of eight portable classrooms at three of the receiving schools without increasing original student capacity by more than 25 percent at any campus.
Brooktree, Noble, Summerdale, and Vinci Park Elementary Schools are expected to accommodate the projected 2025-26 enrollment without requiring portable classrooms, and no physical modifications are anticipated at these campuses as part of the consolidation. However, Majestic Way, Northwood, and Ruskin Elementary Schools may require additional facilities to support the projected 2025-26 enrollment. Majestic Way Elementary may require the addition of two portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 12), Northwood Elementary may require three portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 14), and Ruskin Elementary may also require three portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 15).
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 11; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15311
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project qualifies for this exemption as it may include the installation of up to a combined total of eight portable classrooms at three of the receiving schools without increasing original student capacity by more than 25 percent at any campus.
Brooktree, Noble, Summerdale, and Vinci Park Elementary Schools are expected to accommodate the projected 2025-26 enrollment without requiring portable classrooms, and no physical modifications are anticipated at these campuses as part of the consolidation. However, Majestic Way, Northwood, and Ruskin Elementary Schools may require additional facilities to support the projected 2025-26 enrollment. Majestic Way Elementary may require the addition of two portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 12), Northwood Elementary may require three portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 14), and Ruskin Elementary may also require three portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 15).
If the installation of portable classrooms becomes necessary at any or all Majestic Way, Northwood, and/or Ruskin Elementary School campuses, the total increase District-wide would not exceed 25 percent of the original capacity or involve more than 10 portable classrooms. Additionally, at each of these campuses individually, the total increase would also not exceed 25 percent of the original campus capacity or include more than 10 portable classrooms.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 14; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15314
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project qualifies for this exemption as it may include the installation of up to a combined total of eight portable classrooms at three of the receiving schools without increasing original student capacity by more than 25 percent at any campus.
Based on projected 2025-26 enrollment, Brooktree Elementary is expected to have an excess capacity of 104 students, Majestic Way Elementary 20 students, Noble Elementary 63 students, Northwood Elementary 83 students, Ruskin Elementary 15 students, Summerdale Elementary 152 students, and Vinci Park Elementary 231 students. As part of the consolidation, several academic programs will be relocated. While all seven receiving schools have sufficient capacity, including excess space, the addition of academic programs will further impact campuses with smaller excess capacity. As a result, portable classrooms may be required to accommodate the projected enrollment and program relocations.
Brooktree, Noble, Summerdale, and Vinci Park Elementary Schools are expected to accommodate the projected 2025-26 enrollment without requiring portable classrooms, and no physical modifications are anticipated at these campuses as part of the consolidation. However, Majestic Way, Northwood, and Ruskin Elementary Schools may require additional facilities to support the projected 2025-26 enrollment. Majestic Way Elementary may require the addition of two portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 12), Northwood Elementary may require three portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 14), and Ruskin Elementary may also require three portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 15). Based on operational capacities:
- Majestic Way Elementary School: 25 percent of 588 students = 147 students;
- Northwood Elementary: 25 percent of 670 students = 168 students; and
- Ruskin Elementary School: 25 percent of 706 students = 177 students.
Therefore, any increase in student capacity would remain within these limits.
If the installation of portable classrooms becomes necessary at any or all Majestic Way, Northwood, and/or Ruskin Elementary School campuses, the total increase District-wide would not exceed 25 percent of the original capacity or involve more than 10 portable classrooms. Additionally, at each of these campuses individually, the total increase would also not exceed 25 percent of the original campus capacity or include more than 10 portable classrooms.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 22; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15322
Reasons for Exemption
The Berryessa Union School District approved the closure of Cherrywood, Laneview, and Toyon Elementary Schools (Resolution No. 24-08, December 2024). While this consolidation affects student transportation, it does not alter the grade structure at any of the seven receiving schools. Additionally, Mandarin Immersion and Special Day Classes may be introduced, fully or partially, at receiving schools where these programs do not currently exist. However, their implementation will not require portable classrooms, as they will be housed in existing classrooms. As a result, the receiving schools will adopt new educational programs without any physical modifications. Therefore, the project qualifies for this exemption.
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15282(i)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project qualifies for this exemption as it involves the closure of Cherrywood, Laneview, and Toyon Elementary Schools and the consolidation of operations into Brooktree, Majestic Way, Noble, Northwood, Ruskin, Summerdale, and Vinci Park Elementary Schools. It may also include the installation of up to a combined total of eight portable classrooms at three of the receiving schools without increasing original student capacity by more than 25 percent at any campus.
Brooktree, Noble, Summerdale, and Vinci Park Elementary Schools are expected to accommodate the projected 2025-26 enrollment without requiring portable classrooms, and no physical modifications are anticipated at these campuses as part of the consolidation. However, Majestic Way, Northwood, and Ruskin Elementary Schools may require additional facilities to support the projected 2025-26 enrollment. Majestic Way Elementary may require the addition of two portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 12), Northwood Elementary may require three portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 14), and Ruskin Elementary may also require three portable classrooms (Appendix C, page 15).
If the installation of portable classrooms becomes necessary at any or all Majestic Way, Northwood, and/or Ruskin Elementary School campuses, the total increase District-wide would not exceed 25 percent of the original capacity or involve more than 10 portable classrooms. Additionally, at each of these campuses individually, the total increase would also not exceed 25 percent of the original campus capacity or include more than 10 portable classrooms.
County Clerk
Santa Clara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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