ORANGE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : Concession Lesson

The proposed $3-billion expansion of Disneyland still faces lawsuits from neighboring property owners, including several hotels. But it cleared a major hurdle with the Anaheim City School District’s weekend announcement that the district plans to drop its lawsuit against the expansion.

The announcement is welcome, even if it is unclear what concessions the district wrung from the Walt Disney Co. The board of the elementary school district said it will announce details later.

Disney has lived up to its reputation as a tough bargainer during negotiations over the proposed Westcot theme resort, which will include an amphitheater, more hotels and added attractions. But, wisely, the company has made concessions to several school districts near Disneyland that were rightly concerned that the expansion would mean more students at a time of dwindling resources.

The impact will fall most heavily on the elementary schools, because they are already overcrowded and must cope with thousands of students who need extra help. So far, Disney has proposed providing art and science programs for the schools. The company was correct in offering extra benefits to the school districts to win their support.

The Anaheim City School District and Disney were smart to start discussing their differences over the expansion early and keep the talks going despite the lawsuit. The settlement should benefit the district and Disney and, if the project gets built, all of Southern California.