Elementary district approves transfer plan

After considering seven alternatives for handling the projected student increase in the Anaheim City School District, trustees went back to their original plan. The plan approved by district trustees last week will send Learning Handicapped classrooms from Sunkist to Jefferson School, a move that drew an objection at a meeting in January. The single complaint prompted trustees to consider the seven alternatives. Each of the proposals was re viewed during Thursday night's school board meeting. In considering the plans, trustees looked at the effects on instructional programs, the number of students that would be affected, the financial impact and the overall pros and cons. With the exception of the Learning Handicapped classes, the cons of all of the other plans, out weighed those of the original plan, said Mary Ellen Blanton, a deputy superintendent. None of the approximately 40 people in the audience Thursday spoke in opposition to the first proposal. The approved plan will move the Learning Handicapped students from Sunkist to Jefferson, as well as 121 other students from Price to Sunkist School. The plan's benefits include the cost effectiveness of the busing arrangments, long-range student placement and students will not be switched from year-round to traditional school calendars (or vice versa). Ellen Graziano, a special education teacher at Revere School, voiced her support for the original plan in spite of the Learning Handicapped move. She cited her own experience, moving with her students to a new school, as a positive one. "I don't see that as a con," she said. "I don't think the children suffered." She said no change in their performance level was observed, and there were benefits, such as new friendships with new schoolmates. Trustee Todd Kaudy said, although only one objection was raised to the original plan, he felt it was his obligation to initiate the search for other options. "I think that's our responsibility," he said. "If I have an adverse affect on one child, I have to hold myself accountable." Trustee Benny Hernandez agreed.