(a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to foster improved communication and coordination between cities, counties, and school districts related to planning for school siting.

(b) Following notification by a local planning agency pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 65352, the governing board of any elementary, high school, or unified school district, in addition to any comments submitted, may request a meeting with the planning agency to discuss possible methods of coordinating planning, design, and construction of new school facilities and schoolsites in coordination with the existing or planned infrastructure, general plan, and zoning designations of the city and county in accordance with subdivision (d). If a meeting is requested, the planning agency shall meet with the school district within 15 days following notification.

(c) At least 45 days prior to completion of a school facility needs analysis pursuant to Section 65995.6, a master plan pursuant to Sections 16011 and 16322 of the Education Code, or other long-range plan, that relates to the potential expansion of existing schoolsites or the necessity to acquire additional schoolsites, the governing board of any school district shall notify and provide copies of any relevant and available information, master plan, or other long-range plan, including, if available, any proposed school facility needs analysis, that relates to the potential expansion of existing schoolsites or the necessity to acquire additional schoolsites, to the planning commission or agency of the city or county with land use jurisdiction within the school district. Following notification, or at any other time, the affected city or county may request a meeting in accordance with subdivision (d). If a meeting is requested, the school district shall meet with the city or county within 15 days following notification. After providing the information specified in this section within the 45-day time period specified in this subdivision, the governing board of the affected school district may complete the affected school facility needs analysis, master plan, or other long-range plan without further delay.

(d) At any meeting requested pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c) the parties may review and consider, but are not limited to, the following issues:

(1) Methods of coordinating planning, design, and construction of new school facilities and schoolsites in coordination with the existing or planned infrastructure, general plan, and zoning designations of the city and county.

(2) Options for the siting of new schools and whether or not the local city or counties existing land use element appropriately reflects the demand for public school facilities, and ensures that new planned development reserves location for public schools in the most appropriate locations.

(3) Methods of maximizing the safety of persons traveling to and from schoolsites.

(4) Opportunities to coordinate the potential siting of new schools in coordination with existing or proposed community revitalization efforts by the city or county.

(5) Opportunities for financial assistance which the local government may make available to assist the school district with site acquisition, planning, or preparation costs.

(6) Review all possible methods of coordinating planning, design, and construction of new school facilities and schoolsites or major additions to existing school facilities and recreation and park facilities and programs in the community.

(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 587, Sec. 17. Effective January 1, 2004.)