The ongoing efforts of the Wm. S. Hart Union High School District to select a site in the Castaic community for a new high school is now focusing on two potential sites, according to a report to the District Governing Board by Superintendent Jaime Castellanos.

The first site is located in Hasley Canyon at the corner of Hasley Canyon Road and Sloan Canyon and is referred to as the Hasley/Sloan property. Another potential site currently being studied is located in the proposed residential development known as Green Valley Ranch. This site is located along Del Valle approximately one-half mile from the intersection of Hasley Canyon Road .

Traffic studies have been commissioned for both sites and engineers have begun analyzing traffic flow and potential traffic control requirements for each. An environmental study also has been commissioned on the Green Valley Ranch site. This study, referred to as Phase 1 Environmental Report, will help the Hart District determine the historical usage of the property and any potential environmental mitigation that would be required.

A Phase 1 Environmental already has been done on the Hasley/Sloan site but will be reviewed by the district’s consultants and updated as needed. The district has contacted a civil engineering company to examine both properties to determine the usable acreage as well as the shape of the building pad. Civil engineers also will study the topography of each of the proposed sites to determine grading requirements and site development costs for utilities and other improvements.

All of the information gathered through the Environmental Phase 1 report, traffic studies, and civil engineering analysis will provide valuable information as the district evaluates the merits of each site. These efforts are funded through Measure SA General Obligation Bond funds.