A controversial California bill proposing to expand the Orange County Board of Education is facing backlash from the community. Critics are calling it a “political power grab,” with more than 50 activists and officials rallying against Senate Bill 907 outside Sen. Josh Newman’s office in Fullerton.
The bill, introduced by a Democratic senator, aims to increase the board of trustees from five to seven members and move the election from the primary to the general ballot. Proponents argue that the expansion is necessary to better represent the county’s growing population.
However, opponents argue that Orange County’s population is actually decreasing, making the addition of trustees unnecessary. They also express concerns about the redistricting process, which could potentially be influenced by political factors. The bill’s critics point to a previous redistricting effort in 2021, where the committee was heavily skewed in favor of Democrats.
Furthermore, opponents highlight the financial implications of the bill, estimating costs in the hundreds of thousands of dollars for additional board members and ballots. The Senate Appropriations Committee’s analysis suggests that the county education department would incur an annual cost of $70,000 for the two additional members.
Despite the bill’s intentions to increase voter turnout by aligning the election with the general ballot, critics remain skeptical of its impact. They argue that the focus should be redirected to larger education boards, like the Los Angeles Board of Education, where representation is a more pressing issue.
As the debate intensifies, community members continue to voice their concerns over the potential consequences of SB 907. A follow-up protest is scheduled to take place outside Sen. Dave Min’s office in Irvine on May 10. The bill has passed through the Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee but is currently on hold in the Appropriations Committee due to its significant costs.
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