Dan Courtney learned La Jollans had elected him to sit on the La Jolla Community Planning Association (LJCPA) board during the Dec. 4 meeting. But Courtney lost an ongoing battle with his neighbor, The Children’s School, when LJCPA board members voted 10-0-1 to approve a motion to endorse the school’s plans to expand enrollment parameters, allowing entrance to junior high school students. Many supporters brought their children to the LJCPA meeting, filling La Jolla Recreation Center’s auditorium. The families spoke in favor of the school and its successes. “This is not about the kids or the quality of the teachers,” LJCPA President Joe La Cava said. “It’s a land use matter. Floor ratio, parking … Really, it’s a boring matter.” Jim Kelly represented the school, presenting a slideshow that included provisions the Children’s School was willing to make after mediation with Courtney. Kelly said the school began outreach meetings in 2006, focusing on the neighborhood, which includes Via Calle Juela, the street Courtney shares with about six homes. The city requires that the school remove several eucalyptus trees, Kelly said. And Kelly said the plan provides 20 percent more parking spaces. But Courtney and Kelly disagreed on several points, including the school’s use of Calle Juela. Courtney said the additional traffic from The Children’s School staff and work crews has battered the residential street over the past several years. School officials said they agreed to patch the street, but residents want the school to repave the road. “On Calle Juela, we’ll use the main entrance and make it strictly a staff parking lot and redirect deliveries,” Kelly said. “Despite that we are just the tenants, we offered to pay to patch and seal-coat Calle Juela but we do not support curbs and sidewalks.” Kelly said the school plans to make additional concessions, including capping current enrollment, in an effort to limit traffic. About 260 children currently attend the school, according to school officials. The Children’s School plans to enhance the current landscaping, Kelly said. “There is no negative impact and we have great support from city staff,” said La Jolla Shores Association chair Jim Heaton, adding that his son attends the school. Courtney said he would like the school to keep the eucalyptus trees, stay closed at night and close its soccer field to outside groups. LJCPA disagreed with Courtney, passing the Children’s School’s plan without any conditions. For more information about the Children’s School, visit www.tcs.com. For more information about LJCPA, visit www.lajollacpa.com.