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1. Why is school choice such a big issue for La Palma?

Although a small community of only about 1.8 square miles, La Palma is served by five different school districts, two of which have no schools in La Palma. School districts were formed long before cities developed and have not changed much to adjust to the development patterns which emerged. Often, prospective residents either do not ask about schools or look at closest schools which may not be the home schools based on these archaic boundaries. Changing boundaries is very difficult and due to state funding which is based on enrollment, districts are understandably reluctant to allow children to transfer out of the district. Home schools outside of the community however, do not build a sense of community and prevent children from being able to walk or bike to school and in some cases requiring bussing where it would otherwise not be needed.

2. What would AB 523 (Kim) do?

AB 523 (Kim) the Open Enrollment Act would apply only to La Palma residents. Simply stated, it would require a high school district serving residents of La Palma to approve a transfer if requested by a parent or guardian if the transfer allows the student to attend a high school within the La Palma city limits.

3. Why does AB 523 only deal with high school choice?

While the issue of school choice impacts students younger than high school age as well, this effort focuses only on high school students. This simplifies the issue to some extent because it only involves two school districts, Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD) and Fullerton Joint Union High School District (FJUHSD). The situation is also more pronounced at the high school level due to the difference in distance between Buena Park High School (about 4 miles from the average La Palma resident of the district) and John F. Kennedy High School (about 1.25 miles from the average La Palma resident located outside of the AUHSD boundaries).

4. How can I help give more La Palma Kids the chance to go to La Palma Schools?

There are several ways you can get involved in this issue:
a. Participate in the on-line discussion of the issue by signing into Community Voice using the button on the left side of this website.
b. Use the Notify Me button on the left side of this website to sign up for alerts when information changes relative to this issue such as when the City posts new information.
c. Use the information on this website to contact the La Palma City Council, Assemblywoman Kim, State Senator Huff, or the Assembly Education Committee and let them know your views on AB 523 (Kim) the Open Enrollment Act.

5. Who do I contact to let them know my views?

Contact the La Palma City Council, Assemblywoman Kim, State Senator Huff, or the Assembly Education Committee using the contact information provided at the link below Contacts...