District gives 15-year lease to Christian school

Huntington Beach City School District voted this week to give a new 15-year lease, with possible renewals up to 30 years, to a private Christian school on district land, while leaving the lease of another school for more negotiation. Trustees voted 4-1 on the contract.

The lease for Huntington Christian School, which occupies the closed Burke Elementary School lands, would be about $100,000 more than before, or about $430,000 per year. Unlike before, the district could only terminate the lease on its own if it planned to reopen a school on that land.

Board President Celia Jaffe praised the contract, saying it helps both sides. A similar lease for Brethren Christian Junior/Senior High School on the closed Gisler Elementary site is still being negotiated.

— Michael Alexander