Inter-district Transfer Policy

By Melissa C. Carr

Whether the 10 year old inter-district transfer policy continues to serve our district.

In 1980, the Los Alamitos Unified School District was formed. Classes and instruction were provided from kindergarten through 12th grade. Two schools were closed and enrollment was at 5400 students.

In 1983, the district annexed the Seal Beach Elementary School District. Enrollment reached 5900.

In 1986-87, the district was faced with the possibility of closing and/or selling property to continue operating. Instead of wholesale closing and sales, the district opened up to interdistrict transfers in 1988.

In 1988, there were 532 interdistrict transfers and total enrollment of 6064 students.

By 1992, there were 1263 interdistrict transfers and total enrollment of 7179 students. Lee School (where I started school) was re-opened.

In 1995, Oak Middle School was re-opened and the district welcomed 1941 inter-district transfers. Total enrollment was 8010.

In 1996, Weaver School was re-opened as a year-round school. District enrollment was 8322 and included 2002 inter-district transfer students.

The 1997-1998 district enrollment was 8442 and included 1948 inter-district transfer students.

For the 1998-1999 school year, our student body includes 2048 interdistrict transfer students. Total enrollment is about 8600.

The 10 year old policy of inter-district transfers is due for a review and perhaps an over-haul. It is time for a demographic study to evaluate our in-district student population for the next several years. An analysis of this policy will show whether it continues to serve the district or adversly impacts it. The time is now.

I will champion a demographic study to analyze our anticipated population for the coming years. Our students deserve this evaluation!