Senator Josh Newman Introduces Bill to Make District of Choice Program Permanent
Sacramento, Calif. — Yesterday, Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) introduced legislation to make the state’s scholastic “District of Choice” program a permanent feature of California’s public education system.
Originally established in 1993, the District of Choice program allows students across California to transfer from one public school district to other districts which offer students and families options for high-quality educational programs that might not otherwise be available in their home district. Under the terms of the program, participating districts are required to accept interested students without regard for their academic performance, athletic ability, or any other demographic characteristics, and unlike other interdistrict transfer laws, students do not need to seek permission from their home districts to transfer. Since its inception, the program, which has been extended by legislation multiple times, has allowed more than 10,000 students to enroll in the district of their choosing.
“The District of Choice program gives students and families the flexibility to choose a public school setting that is best suited to their educational needs and plans,” said Senator Newman, Chair of the Senate Education Committee. “Making the program permanent will provide much-needed certainty for the thousands of families across California whose children attend school through the District of Choice program. These families have been able to avail themselves of educational opportunities that otherwise would be closed off to them, and they’re entitled to the assurance that their students will be able to graduate alongside their friends and classmates, regardless of home address or the politics here in Sacramento.”
“Empowering our parents and students with expanded educational choices is critical to maximizing growth and potential, especially among low-income, foster, and homeless youth,” said Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside). “The District of Choice Program is a proven success, and I’ve seen that success up close, with our region’s own Riverside Unified School District part of the Program with new choice options including a science technology middle school, all digital high school, and an arts-centered grade school. The District of Choice model works and that’s why I am an enthusiastic co-author of Senator Newman’s legislation to enlarge it and make it permanent.”
SB 897 implements several recommendations included in a 2021 report by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office. The analysis found that the District of Choice program succeeded in providing students access to educational options not available in their home districts, such as specialized schools or instructional models. With respect to college preparatory courses and arts, music and foreign language programs, research indicates that students gained access to an average of five to seven courses not offered by their home districts through the District of Choice program.
Natalie, an 11th grader attending Walnut Valley Unified School District in eastern Los Angeles County, is a typical example of how District of Choice serves students’ needs. “I absolutely love Diamond Bar High School,” she said. “Although I don’t live in Diamond Bar, my parents were able to enroll me through the District of Choice program. I’ve been able to take challenging classes that are preparing me for college. My teachers are thoughtful, caring, and super knowledgeable. I’ve made lifelong friendships, and I’m so thankful for this opportunity. I hope District of Choice is around for many more years so other students can create their own experiences at Walnut Valley Unified District.”
“District of Choice has opened up incredible opportunities for my four daughters to experience a world class education,” added Linda, a parent of students enrolled in Walnut Valley Unified School District. “I have girls enrolled at each level: high, middle, and elementary schools, and I’m fully confident they are becoming stronger leaders, curious learners, and compassionate citizens through their education. Thank you, District of Choice, for creating this pathway for my daughters, and for many other scholars!”
With roughly 2,600 students enrolled through the District of Choice program in the 2021-2022 school year, Walnut Valley Unified School District is the largest District of Choice district in the state.
In addition to affording parents choices when making critical decisions about their children’s educations, the District of Choice program has also demonstrated positive results in improving racial diversity at some participating districts, with Latino and Asian students of color representing more than two-thirds of participating DOC students statewide in the 2018-2019 school year.
“As a Superintendent of Schools, I wholeheartedly endorse the District of Choice Program adopted in 1993. This innovative initiative not only empowers students to pursue educational opportunities that best suit their needs, but it also fosters a diverse and enriching learning environment by welcoming students from various backgrounds,” said Robert P. Taylor, Ed.D., Superintendent of Walnut Valley Unified School District. “The program's commitment to inclusivity, regardless of academic abilities or personal characteristics, exemplifies our dedication to providing quality education and fostering a sense of community for families across participating districts.”
Dr. Jeff Davis, Ed.D., Superintendent of Oak Park Unified School District in Ventura County, added, “The District of Choice legislation allows families a choice in where they feel is the best place for their children to attend school. For OPUSD, the DOC program has not only made our student population much more diverse, we’ve also seen an increase in our student achievement over the years. In addition, the DOC program has enriched the TK-12 educational experience for all of our students. Our hope is that in the true spirit of school choice, the DOC legislation be made permanent.”
Additional quotes and testimonials from students, families, and educators can be found below.
To schedule an interview with Senator Newman, contact Brendan Hughes at 916.651.4029.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
“Since implementing District of Choice in Charter Oak Unified, we have opened the door for opportunities for our students to have choice and access to an excellent education.” – Jeffrey D. Jordan, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools at Charter Oak Unified School District in eastern Los Angeles County
“I'm really glad that I am able to go to Charter Oak High School on a DOC. I love playing baseball for Coach Chavi and football for Coach Farrar. My coaches have been very supportive and positive impact on my life.” – Brandon Solis, 11th grade student at Charter Oak High School
“I really like my school a lot and I feel safe and connected to my friends and teachers. I would not want to be anywhere else… so thanks DOC!” – Paul Lopez, 9th grade student at Charter Oak High School
“I love being at Charter Oak High School and my ASB class and playing softball for the Chargers.” – Alyssa Lopez, 11th grade student at Charter Oak High School
“My twin boys are in Kindergarten at Washington Elementary. They love their new school! Their teacher uses a variety of activities to meet their academic needs. I am very happy that my boys attend Washington. It's the best place for us. Thank you so much for the DOC program that allows my kids to attend this district.” – Nichol Hope, Parent of students at Charter Oak Unified School District
“Both of my children are students of COHS. They live within several steps of another district's high school but never want to leave COHS. When I asked them if they wanted to attend school closer to home, they both chimed in unison, 'NO! We love our school, we want to stay at COHS!' The District of Choice program allowed us the security of never having to leave.” – Debbie Lopez, Parent of students at Charter Oak High School
“For more than a decade, Glendora Unified School District has been designated as a District of Choice, allowing students and their families from across the region the opportunity to join our school community. Their involvement in, and commitment to, our programs at all levels has enhanced the education of all students in our district.” – Dr. Dominic DiGrazia, Superintendent of Glendora Unified School District in eastern Los Angeles County
“Having been a District of Choice for many years, [Riverside Unified School District] has been able to allow students the flexibility to select an instructional program well suited to their learning needs and preferences. RUSD is a District of Choices, and the DOC option is popular choice for students who want to attend RUSD.” – Renee Hill, Superintendent of Riverside Unified School District
“The privilege of being a District of Choice has provided unprecedented opportunities for my children’s education that go far beyond all measure.” – Billy, Parent of students at Walnut Valley Unified School District in eastern Los Angeles County
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State Senator Josh Newman represents the 29th Senate District, which is comprised of portions of Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County. The 29th District includes all or parts of the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Chino Hills, City of Industry, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Walnut, West Covina and Yorba Linda. Senator Newman is a former United States Army officer, businessperson, and veterans’ advocate, and lives in Fullerton with his wife and daughter.