Interdistrict attendance: prohibition on transfers by a school district of residence.

Existing law authorizes the governing boards of 2 or more school districts to enter into an agreement, for a term not to exceed 5 school years, for the interdistrict attendance of pupils who are residents of the school districts. Existing law, regardless of whether there is an interdistrict attendance agreement or permit, prohibits a school district of residence from prohibiting the transfer of a pupil who is a child of an active military duty parent to the school district of proposed enrollment if the school district of proposed enrollment approves the application for transfer. This bill would require a school district of residence to approve an intradistrict transfer request for a victim of an act of bullying, as provided. The bill would prohibit a school district of residence, regardless of whether there is an agreement or permit, from prohibiting the interdistrict transfer of a victim of an act of bullying if there is no available school for an intradistrict transfer and the school district of proposed enrollment approves the application for transfer. By requiring school districts to approve intradistrict transfers for victims of bullying, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would require a school district of proposed enrollment that elects to accept an interdistrict transfer pursuant to these provisions to accept all pupils who apply to transfer under these provisions until the school district is at maximum capacity. The bill would require a school district of proposed enrollment to ensure that pupils admitted under these provisions are selected through an unbiased process that prohibits an inquiry into or evaluation or consideration of whether or not a pupil should be enrolled based on specified characteristics. The bill would require, upon request of the parent or guardian, a school district of enrollment to provide transportation assistance for a pupil who is a child of an active military duty parent or a victim of an act of bullying, if the pupil is also eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The bill would otherwise authorize a school district of enrollment to provide transportation assistance for a pupil in one of those categories. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.