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February 12, 2008

Dear Western Parents:

We have shared exciting news in the past week both at our high school parent communication meeting and the K-8 Open House, which was packed with an overflow audience.  For those who could not attend, we want to share the great news that God has provided Western and to ensure that each family is aware of our new updates that will greatly improve our overall learning environment for every child, preschool through high school.

• What has been done?
  
  
  • High School Campus
    • Process of Obtaining Bids for Roof Repairs – March/April 2008
    • Heating & Air Conditions Repairs – January-April 2008
    • Re-organization of existing spaces to optimize use for classrooms- Ongoing
    • Finalizing a Refurbishing Program of existing buildings – August 2008
    • Re-grading existing fields – Tentative April/May 2008
      
      
  • Claremont Campus
    • Central Air & Heating in the existing Elementary Building (Preschool Building) – March/April 2008
    • Demolition existing houses at back of campus – July 2008
    • Re-grade existing Play Field – July 2008
      • New Soccer Goals
      • New Backstop
    • Prepare rear of campus for new elementary playfields – July 2008
    • Finalizing a Refurbishing Program of existing buildings – August 2008
      
      
• Vision and Development for Both Campuses
  
  
  • High School Campus
    • Goal: Continue refining the building program that reflects the needs of the current program and future growth.
    • What has been done?
      • Final Building Program (square footage) will go to the Board for final approval – April 28, 2008
      • Status of the La Verne Site for New High School
        • Not in Escrow
          • Appraisal was lower than original offer
          • Environmental constraints impacted the use of the site for Western’s High School Program
      • Currently reviewing other sites
        • We initiated a zoning/feasibility study on a new +9 acre site – location to be disclosed after study is complete
        • Concurrently, we are reviewing other site options with existing buildings already in place
          
          
  • Claremont Campus
    • Goal: Establish a Comprehensive Master Plan program that utilizes the existing campus facilities with future growth and development
    • What has been done?
      • A Comprehensive Master Plan has been initiated.
      • Board approved the first component of the Master Plan on February 1, 2008.
      • The first component of this Master Plan includes:
        • Interim Housing for Jr. High Program
          • Eight, 960sf classrooms
            • Science lab
            • K-8 music room
            • K-8 Computer Lab
            • K-8 Library / Media Center
        • Parking Lot Expansion/Fire Lane – Tentative
        • Preschool Expansion including a Pre-kindergarten Program and new half-day program.
        • Estimated time for completion – August 2008
          
          
• How Can We Do This?
  • God is leading the effort…
  • Lower Interest Rate which allows us to refinance current obligations on Claremont Campus
    • Borrow additional funds.
    • No change to current payment structure
    • No fiscal impact to current budget
  • Overall funding for High School
    • Pursuing Tax-exempt bonds - +$12,000,000
    • Payment Structure included in 2008-2009 budget structure
      
      
• What Can You Do?
  • Continue to pray for all of those involved in the process
  • Provide Positive Support for the process
  • We welcome your ideas and suggestions as we move through this process to provide improved facilities and programs for our student