Stand Tall on Principles v. Shasta Union High School District
Opinion
Opinion
Davis, J.
—The issue presented by this appeal is whether the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that a school district complete an environmental impact report (EIR) during the course of selecting a site for a new high school, or whether it is sufficient if the district completes an EIR prior to acquiring such a site. “It is circumstance and proper timing that give an action its character and make it either good or bad.” (Plutarch, Life of Agesilaus II, Lives, § 23.) Here, we hold that it is sufficient if a school district completes an EIR prior to acquiring a site for a new high school as long as that EIR genuinely and thoroughly assesses all reasonable alternative sites. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment.
Background
Pursuant to a “Master Plan” it adopted in 1987, the Shasta Union High School District (District) determined it needed a new four-year high school. The proposed new school was a $16 million facility that would encompass nearly 40 acres and an eventual student population of 1,800.
The Board of Trustees of the District (Board) appointed a site selection committee (Committee) in May 1989 to review potential sites for the new high school. The…