LAGUNA BEACH

The Laguna Beach school board took no action at a recent meeting on a proposal by the Irvine Co. that would release it from further financial obligations to the district regarding the Newport Coast development. The housing project is expected to add about 300 students in the next 12 years to Laguna Beach schools, and the Irvine Co. has agreed to give the district $6.6 million for the added expense. The district now is in negotiations with the Newport-Mesa Unified School District about an additional transfer of land that would increase property taxes and offset the influx of students. Until the boundary changes are negotiated, however, it is premature to release the Irvine Co. from any further funding obligations, Laguna Beach school board member Eileen T. Walsh said.