The Orange County Board of Education adopted a resolution opposing Assembly Bill 84 on July 9, saying the measure could impose new oversight and record‑keeping burdens on charter schools and non–classroom‑based programs.
Trustee Mary Barkey introduced the resolution, which the board read into the record before voting. The resolution states the board’s concern that AB 84 could "significantly impact the funding and operations of these alternative educational programs, potentially limiting access to educational opportunities for students who thrive in these environments." The document also expressed the board’s belief that the bill could "divert funds from student‑centered programs to increased oversight and record keeping."
Trustees approved the resolution by roll-call vote with no recorded no votes or abstentions. The board directed staff to share the resolution with Orange County’s state legislators, committee chairs in Sacramento and the board’s lobbyist; board members said they would also make the resolution available to charter school leaders who requested it.
Trustee comments during the discussion echoed public speakers who called AB 84 "bureaucratic overreach." Trustee Barkey said the board would "work with stakeholders, including parents, community organizations, school districts, and other county boards of education to raise awareness about the potential negative impacts of AB 84 on students and schools."
The resolution is a formal board position but does not, by itself, change county policy or create new regulatory authority. Board staff said the text will be posted on the board’s website and distributed to legislators and interested parties.