Fullerton : School Board Approves Annexation Proposal

The Fullerton Joint Union High School District board has approved an 11-point draft proposal intended to ensure that no revenues or jobs would be lost--or schools closed--if students from Yorba Linda withdrew from Fullerton high schools to join the Placentia Unified School District.

The proposal, approved unanimously by the Fullerton board Monday, also would put the issue of annexation to the voters in all affected areas. It will be presented to officials of both districts today.

The proposal is the latest action in a 10-year effort by Yorba Linda officials to find a high school closer to home.

Yorba Linda and Placentia education officials are seeking state legislation that would allow Yorba Linda to withdraw from the Fullerton district and be annexed to Placentia, which is closer.

Fullerton district officials have managed to fend off previous secession efforts. This time, they hope this agreement will be included in an annexation bill that state Sen. William Campbell (R-Hacienda Heights) is expected to carry.

The agreement would give Fullerton an 8% increase in state revenue to make up for the $2.5 million it would lose in money for the 925 students. It also calls for an equitable transfer of staff between the districts and giving teachers a voice in the decisions.

Any annexation plan also would have to be approved by voters in the affected districts, which include all of Yorba Linda, La Habra and La Habra Heights, most of Fullerton, Buena Park and Placentia.