Merger of School Districts in Placentia, Yorba Linda

A measure of great significance for children in the Placentia-Yorba Linda communities will be on the Nov. 8 ballot. It is the annexation of the Yorba Linda School District with the Placentia Unified School District.

The Yorba Linda district approached Placentia Unified with the request to unite the two districts to improve the opportunities for their 1,800 children. The district has worked toward this merger about two years.

After the merger, the newly organized Placentia Unified will receive an additional estimated $3 million yearly. The funds will come from the state’s education budget, will not increase local property taxes and will assist in lifting Placentia Unified from its “low-wealth” status in the county.

Officials from the Yorba Linda district have warned of the dangers of their precarious financial position, which could bring dwindling programs, possible labor unrest and bankruptcy in the coming years. The trustees and superintendent have pursued a plan for ensuring the educational life and opportunity of their students.

The only elements threatening to thwart the merging of two districts into one are the fear of losing a small personal district and a perceived rivalry of two cities.

Parents in Placentia Unified schools have easy access to teachers, principals, superintendent and board members. Their children have a wide range of programs from academic to athletics to the arts.

The boundaries of Placentia Unified were set in 1936 and include parts of five cities. The board makes decisions by looking at the total district, rather than at city boundaries. There is equal opportunity for students throughout the district.

This annexation is based on what is good for youngsters. It is a measure to unite for kids.

BARBARA S. WILLIAMS

Trustee,

Placentia Unified School District