Future of the former Santa Clarita Elementary School site — Seco Canyon Road, Saugus
The Saugus Union School District closed Santa Clarita Elementary (27177 Seco Canyon Road) in June 2024. On Sept. 22, 2026 the Santa Clarita City Council voted 5–0 to buy the roughly 9-acre site for $13 million; the city has floated a community center, library or park space but has no final plan. The sale still needs the school board’s approval of the purchase agreement and a state housing review.
Overview
Neutral summary · community maintainedWhat’s happening
Santa Clarita Elementary School, at 27177 Seco Canyon Road at Decoro Drive in Saugus, opened in July 1960 and was the Saugus Union School District’s oldest school. The district’s board voted 4–1 in November 2023 to close it, citing the cost of seismic retrofitting required by Assembly Bill 300 (estimated at about $25 million) and declining enrollment. It closed in June 2024. The campus is about 9.3 acres, zoned Public/Institutional, and sits next to Santa Clarita Park.
The site is a Mid-Century Modern campus with a circular plan around a central courtyard, designed by Smith, Powell and Morgridge. The Los Angeles Conservancy lists it as a historic place it is watching.
The district’s community process
State law required the district to appoint an advisory committee before selling or leasing the property. Its nine-member Asset Management Advisory (“7-11”) Committee met ten times between July 2024 and May 2025, gathered more than 400 community comment cards, and held a public hearing on April 30, 2025. Its report, presented to the board on August 19, 2025, recommended: no residential or commercial use; short- and long-term leasing; partnerships with public agencies or nonprofits for child-focused programs; public facilities such as a library, arts space or community center; green space or fields; preserving the mid-century architecture, landscaping and valley oaks; and acting promptly so the site doesn’t sit vacant.
Offers and negotiations
The City of Santa Clarita wrote to the district about the property in August and September 2024 and sent a nonbinding term sheet offering fair market value in January 2026. In December 2025 the board also reviewed, in closed session, a proposal from a housing developer, Marc Homes LLC. A 2025 state law (AB 130) changed how the Surplus Land Act applies to school property, bringing more sales under review by the state Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
The city’s purchase
The city and district reached an agreement in principle on September 9, 2026. On September 22, 2026 the City Council voted 5–0 to buy and exchange into the site for its fair market value of $13 million, plus $8,000 for escrow and due diligence. The city says it has no final plans; it has named a possible fourth community center, a library, additional park space or another community facility. Councilmembers noted that Saugus has neither a community center nor a library, and the city manager said owning the land next to Santa Clarita Park would allow the two to be planned together.
What still has to happen
The school district’s board must approve the purchase and sale agreement, and HCD must review the sale. The city expects escrow to close about four months after the board’s approval. StandLocal hasn’t yet confirmed that the board has approved the agreement; please add the date and source under Contribute if you have it.
Open questions
How the $13 million value was set (the district said in August 2025 that it had not appraised the property), what happens to the historic buildings and trees, how residents will be involved in designing the future use, and how the site is secured while it sits empty. The “Records still needed” list explains how to request the documents.
Questions & answers
Sourced, neutral answers to common questionsHas the city bought the site?
Not yet. The City Council voted 5–0 on September 22, 2026 to buy and exchange into the site for $13 million. The Saugus Union School District board still has to approve the purchase and sale agreement, and the state Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has to review the sale. The city expects to close about four months after the board approves.
What will the site become?
There’s no final plan. The city has named a possible fourth community center, a library, additional park space or another community facility. The district’s advisory committee recommended community uses such as a library, arts space, community center, child-focused programs and green space, and no housing or commercial use.
Could it become housing?
The advisory committee recommended against residential or commercial use, and the district has said it heard that clearly from residents. The board did review a housing developer’s proposal in closed session in December 2025. With the city as buyer, the district’s attorney said in 2025 that housing requirements may not apply, but the sale still goes through state HCD review under the Surplus Land Act.
Will the buildings be torn down?
No decision has been announced. In February 2026 the district said it had not discussed demolishing anything, though it removed old portables. The advisory committee recommended preserving the mid-century architecture, landscaping and valley oaks, and the Los Angeles Conservancy is watching the site. Once the city owns it, the city will decide.
How can I have a say?
Speak or send a comment at Saugus Union School District board meetings while the sale is pending, and at Santa Clarita City Council meetings once planning starts; agendas are posted online before each meeting. You can also write to the council and the school board (contacts on this page). City Council seats and school board seats are on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
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Timeline
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Jul 1, 1960
School opens (as Dry Creek Elementary)
The Mid-Century Modern campus designed by Smith, Powell and Morgridge opens; it later becomes Santa Clarita Elementary, the district’s oldest school.
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Nov 14, 2023
School board votes 4–1 to close the school
The board cites the roughly $25 million seismic retrofit required by AB 300 and declining enrollment. Board member Anna Griese votes no, citing transparency concerns.
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Mar 26, 2024
Board creates the property advisory (7-11) committee
Resolution 2023-24 #61 forms the Asset Management Advisory Committee required before a district sells or leases surplus property.
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June 2024
The school closes
After 64 years, the campus closes at the end of the 2023–24 school year; students move to other district schools.
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August 2024
City first writes to the district about the site
The City of Santa Clarita sends letters of interest in August and September 2024.
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Apr 30, 2025
Committee holds its public hearing
About 47 people attend; the committee has gathered more than 400 comment cards since October 2024.
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Aug 19, 2025
Committee recommends community use, no housing or commercial
The report to the board recommends leasing over selling, public or nonprofit partners, a library, arts space or community center, green space, and preserving the architecture and valley oaks.
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Dec 10, 2025
Board reviews a housing developer’s proposal
In closed session, the board reviews price and terms proposed by Marc Homes LLC. Residents have said they don’t want housing on the site.
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Jan 20, 2026
City sends a nonbinding offer at fair market value
The board discusses the city’s term sheet in closed session and authorizes its negotiators to continue talks.
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Jul 21, 2026
Price talks continue; residents ask for community use
No action after closed session. Public speakers ask for a community center, library, arts, senior and recreation uses and preservation of the buildings.
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Sep 9, 2026
City and district reach an agreement in principle
After months of talks, the two agencies agree on terms.
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Sep 22, 2026
City Council votes 5–0 to buy the site for $13 million
The council approves buying and exchanging into the roughly 9-acre site at fair market value, plus $8,000 for escrow and due diligence. Next: school board approval and state HCD review; closing about four months later.
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Oct 22, 2026
State of the City: community center or library under consideration
At the annual State of the City event, the city says a community center or a library for Saugus is under consideration for the site.
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Decisions & votes
From public meetings, with sources- Bill MirandaYes
- Jason GibbsYes
- Laurene WesteYes
- Marsha McLeanYesParticipated remotely
- Patsy AyalaYes
Community positions
+ Start a positionPositions are started and run by community members, not by StandLocal. Each member can back one position per case.
Petitions
+ Start a petitionPetitions ask a specific decision-maker for something specific. Anyone can sign — no account needed.
Contact decision-makers
Phone, email and contact formsThese are the officials and agencies with a say in this case, and what each one can actually do. StandLocal suggests talking points for every side — pick yours, then put it in your own words. Personal, local, respectful messages carry the most weight.
State agencies
Reviews the sale under the state Surplus Land Act before it can close. The 2025 law AB 130 brought more school-district sales under this review.
Cities & towns
Voted 5–0 on Sept. 22, 2026 to buy the site. The council will decide what the site becomes, its budget, and how residents are involved in planning it. Weste is on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot for the new Council District 4.
Voted 5–0 on Sept. 22, 2026 to buy the site. The council will decide what the site becomes, its budget, and how residents are involved in planning it.
Voted 5–0 on Sept. 22, 2026 to buy the site. The council will decide what the site becomes, its budget, and how residents are involved in planning it. At the vote he noted that Saugus has no community center or library.
Voted 5–0 on Sept. 22, 2026 to buy the site. The council will decide what the site becomes, its budget, and how residents are involved in planning it.
Voted 5–0 on Sept. 22, 2026 to buy the site. The council will decide what the site becomes, its budget, and how residents are involved in planning it. He spoke for the city during its 2025–26 approaches to the district.
Runs city staff, who negotiated the purchase and will prepare plans and options for the site. Said owning it would allow joint planning with Santa Clarita Park.
Other
The school board must approve the purchase and sale agreement with the city. It also controls the site until the sale closes, including security and what is removed. Board seats are also on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot.
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Documents & public records
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Santa Clarita Elementary property disposition — district pageThe district’s page for the site: committee members, meeting dates, presentations, community comment charts, press releases and links to agendas and minutes.
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Los Angeles Conservancy — Santa Clarita Elementary SchoolThe Conservancy’s page on the campus’s history, architecture and preservation status.
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City press release: City to acquire the former school siteThe city’s announcement of the Sept. 22 council approval, the $13 million price, possible uses, and the HCD review and closing timeline.
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Advisory committee findings and recommendations reportThe 7-11 committee’s report to the board: property facts (9.3 acres, APN 2810-032-902, Public/Institutional zoning), the options considered and seven recommendations.
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Surplus Land Act and school districts after AB 130 (Lozano Smith client brief)A law-firm summary of how the state Surplus Land Act applies when a school district sells property, as changed by AB 130 in 2025.
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Community comment charts (committee, Dec. 11, 2024)Charts summarizing the community comment cards on what residents want for the site.
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Alternatives to surplus property disposition (committee presentation)The leasing, joint-use and other options the committee weighed instead of a sale.
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Property information and attendance-area data (committee presentation)Background on the property and the committee’s role presented at its first meeting.
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Resolution 2023-24 #61 — establishing the advisory committeeThe board resolution creating the committee required before a sale or lease.
Records still needed
How to request public records →These public records exist but aren’t online yet. Anyone can request them — each one below says where to ask, what to ask for and what it costs. If you request one, click I’ve requested this so neighbors don’t file duplicates, then upload it when it arrives.
NeededThe purchase and sale (and exchange) agreement and the Sept. 22 staff report City of Santa Clarita — City Clerk
The agreement sets the price, what the city is exchanging, conditions, deadlines and who pays for what. The staff report explains the council’s reasons and the funding source.
How to get it
1. Check the city’s agenda portal for the September 22, 2026 meeting first — the staff report is usually posted there.
2. Submit the request through the City of Santa Clarita’s online public records form, or call the City Clerk at (661) 259-2489.
3. Name the property: the former Santa Clarita Elementary School, 27177 Seco Canyon Road (APN 2810-032-902), and give a date range.
4. Ask for electronic copies — under the California Public Records Act, agencies can charge only the direct cost of copies.
5. The agency must tell you within 10 days whether it has the records and when they’ll be ready (up to 14 more days in unusual circumstances).
6. Upload what you receive here.
What to ask for
Cost: California Public Records Act: only the direct cost of copies; electronic records are usually free.
NeededThe appraisal or valuation behind the $13 million price City of Santa Clarita and Saugus Union School District
The district said in August 2025 it had not appraised the property; the city later agreed to pay $13 million as fair market value. The valuation shows how that figure was reached.
How to get it
1. Ask both agencies; the district’s real estate adviser (Terra Realty Advisors) and the city may each have one.
2. Submit the request through the City of Santa Clarita’s online public records form, or call the City Clerk at (661) 259-2489.
3. Name the property: the former Santa Clarita Elementary School, 27177 Seco Canyon Road (APN 2810-032-902), and give a date range.
4. Ask for electronic copies — under the California Public Records Act, agencies can charge only the direct cost of copies.
5. The agency must tell you within 10 days whether it has the records and when they’ll be ready (up to 14 more days in unusual circumstances).
6. Upload what you receive here.
What to ask for
Cost: California Public Records Act: only the direct cost of copies; electronic records are usually free.
NeededThe district’s Surplus Land Act filing and HCD’s response Saugus Union School District
The sale can’t close until the state Department of Housing and Community Development reviews it. The district’s resolution and HCD’s letters show which rules apply and the timing.
How to get it
1. Check the district’s board agendas (linked from its property page) for a surplus or exemption resolution first.
2. Send a written request to the Saugus Union School District, 24930 Avenue Stanford, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 (call (661) 294-5300 for the right contact or email).
3. Name the property: the former Santa Clarita Elementary School, 27177 Seco Canyon Road (APN 2810-032-902), and give a date range.
4. Ask for electronic copies — under the California Public Records Act, agencies can charge only the direct cost of copies.
5. The agency must tell you within 10 days whether it has the records and when they’ll be ready (up to 14 more days in unusual circumstances).
6. Upload what you receive here.
What to ask for
Cost: California Public Records Act: only the direct cost of copies; electronic records are usually free.
NeededOffers and proposals the district received for the site Saugus Union School District
The board reviewed at least two approaches — the city’s and a housing developer’s (Marc Homes LLC). The proposals show what else was on the table. Records tied to an unfinished sale can be withheld until it closes.
How to get it
1. If the district withholds anything because negotiations aren’t final, ask again after the sale closes.
2. Send a written request to the Saugus Union School District, 24930 Avenue Stanford, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 (call (661) 294-5300 for the right contact or email).
3. Name the property: the former Santa Clarita Elementary School, 27177 Seco Canyon Road (APN 2810-032-902), and give a date range.
4. Ask for electronic copies — under the California Public Records Act, agencies can charge only the direct cost of copies.
5. The agency must tell you within 10 days whether it has the records and when they’ll be ready (up to 14 more days in unusual circumstances).
6. Upload what you receive here.
What to ask for
Cost: California Public Records Act: only the direct cost of copies; electronic records are usually free.
NeededBuilding condition and seismic studies Saugus Union School District
The closure was based on a roughly $25 million seismic retrofit estimate. The studies show what the buildings need — important for deciding whether they can be reused.
How to get it
1. Ask for the reports behind the 2022 estimate of about $24–25 million in improvements.
2. Send a written request to the Saugus Union School District, 24930 Avenue Stanford, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 (call (661) 294-5300 for the right contact or email).
3. Name the property: the former Santa Clarita Elementary School, 27177 Seco Canyon Road (APN 2810-032-902), and give a date range.
4. Ask for electronic copies — under the California Public Records Act, agencies can charge only the direct cost of copies.
5. The agency must tell you within 10 days whether it has the records and when they’ll be ready (up to 14 more days in unusual circumstances).
6. Upload what you receive here.
What to ask for
Cost: California Public Records Act: only the direct cost of copies; electronic records are usually free.
News coverage
Add an article- City Council approves $13 million purchase of former elementary school site in Saugus
- City considers $13M purchase of Santa Clarita Elementary School
- No action taken regarding Santa Clarita Elementary
- Saugus district, city in talks for Santa Clarita Elementary site
- City offers to buy Santa Clarita Elementary property
- Saugus district set to review housing development negotiations for Santa Clarita Elementary property
- City reiterates interest in Santa Clarita Elementary site
- SUSD asset committee presents report on former elementary site
- SUSD emphasizes school site not planned for housing
- Saugus Union board approves closure of the oldest school in the district
What residents said
Public comments residents spoke or submitted