Department of Education Hands School Deed to 29 Acres

SEASIDE, CA-A Central Coast school has been given 29 acres of land by the U.S Department of Education to assist in educating students with language-related learning disabilities.

A news conference was held today to announce the transfer of the deed of the former Fort Ord property to the Chartwell School, which is the only school in the area that specializes in education for children with language-related learning disabilities.

Education officials say the school has long outgrown its current location in Seaside and has been forced to turn students away due to a long waiting list, lack of space and a high demand for its specialized curriculum.

The former U.S. Army property was originally deeded to the school district in 1996, with the understanding that it would be used for educational purposes for three years. However, the district was unable to develop the land within the time provisions because of a lack of funding.

Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Superintendent Bob Infelise became a liaison between the Department of Education and the Chartwell School to ensure that the land would be used for its intended purposes. “The transfer allows the land to continue to serve the district, and helps Chartwell School, whose unique mission I support whole-heartedly,” said the superintendent.

Development plans for the property are currently being evaluated under the leadership of Chartwell Board Member Tom deRegt, who is also a general partner of a development company.

The announcement came as a result of the contributions of several of Chartwell’s board members, founders and donors, as well as Monterey Peninsula Unified School District officials, many of whom were present at today’s news conference.