Board approves Jordan Elementary boundary change, designates Jordan a districtwide magnet and LaVita as homeschool

The Orange Unified School District Board of Education voted Dec. 15 to change attendance boundaries so Jordan Elementary becomes a districtwide open-enrollment dual-immersion magnet and LaVita Elementary will expand its boundaries and serve as the traditional-track homeschool for students in the Jordan attendance area, effective with the 2026-27 school year.

Miss Holguin and district staff presented a transition plan that preserves priority enrollment for current Jordan and LaVita students and gives priority to residents within the former Jordan attendance boundary. Trustees and members of the public discussed the proposal at length, raising concerns about community engagement, historical intent of the dual-immersion program, transportation, and options for families whose children may not be a good fit for a wall-to-wall dual-immersion model.

Multiple public commenters, including Jordan parents and program supporters, urged protections for neighborhood access to the dual-immersion program; other speakers asked that families be better informed about options and supports. Scott Resnick, a Jordan parent, urged quick action so families would know options before the district's open-enrollment period.

Trustees amended staff recommendations to require district-led community meetings (including Spanish-language and virtual options), intentional messaging about dual-immersion and transfer options, and a district-run orientation program before the next enrollment cycle. The motion to adopt the boundary modifications and the outreach conditions passed unanimously.

Trustees said the change balances legal compliance (ensuring families have access to a traditional home school) with protecting Jordan's dual-immersion program and neighborhood priority seats; staff will coordinate logistics and outreach ahead of the January open-enrollment window and the 2026-27 implementation.