Press & media
Future of the former Santa Clarita Elementary School site — Seco Canyon Road, Saugus
Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, CA · Under Review · updated Nov 1, 2026
In brief
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.
- Proposed by
- City of Santa Clarita (buyer); Saugus Union School District (owner and seller)
- Decided by
- Saugus Union School District board (sale), Santa Clarita City Council (purchase and future use), California HCD (Surplus Land Act review)
- Location
- 27177 Seco Canyon Road (at Decoro Drive), Saugus — next to Santa Clarita Park
- Status
- Under Review
Decisions & votes
- Bill MirandaYes
- Jason GibbsYes
- Laurene WesteYes
- Marsha McLeanYesParticipated remotely
- Patsy AyalaYes
Key questions
Has 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.
Timeline
- Oct 22, 2026State of the City: community center or library under consideration Source ↗
- Sep 22, 2026City Council votes 5–0 to buy the site for $13 million Source ↗
- Sep 9, 2026City and district reach an agreement in principle Source ↗
- Jul 21, 2026Price talks continue; residents ask for community use Source ↗
- Jan 20, 2026City sends a nonbinding offer at fair market value Source ↗
- Dec 10, 2025Board reviews a housing developer’s proposal Source ↗
- Aug 19, 2025Committee recommends community use, no housing or commercial Source ↗
- Apr 30, 2025Committee holds its public hearing Source ↗
- August 2024City first writes to the district about the site Source ↗
- June 2024The school closes Source ↗
Key documents
- City press release: City to acquire the former school site Sep 23, 2026
The city’s announcement of the Sept. 22 council approval, the $13 million price, possible uses, and the HCD review and closing timeline.
- Advisory committee findings and recommendations report Aug 19, 2025
The 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.
- Resolution 2023-24 #61 — establishing the advisory committee Nov 14, 2023
The board resolution creating the committee required before a sale or lease.
