Frank N. Eastwood

History of Frank Eastwood Elementary School

By the early 1960s, the idea of neighborhood schools became the standard for the Westminster School District, as opposed to having a school on a major street. The first school to do this was the Clara O. Cook School (now the Hebrew Academy) off Willow Lane near the “Cascade” tract.

By 1964, a new community was constructed in Barber City, known colloquially by the name “University” Tract. Historically, Westminster School District’s zoning stretched up to Bolsa Chica Avenue. While the area already included an established neighborhood and Virginia K. Boos School, the modestly sized campus could no longer accommodate the growing population. In response, two additional schools were planned, including Bolsa Chica School, which opened in 1964 under the leadership of Mrs. Joan Read. The new school would also follow a similar architectural plan to the Springdale (Franklin) school located to its south. Many of its students had parents in the defense industry, as the neighborhood was a few streets from the new McDonnell Douglas plant (now Boeing).”

The site opened during a pivotal time in Orange County’s history, as the construction of the 405 freeway was underway. This major infrastructure project which would cut through southern Orange County divided sections of Westminster, some students from 4th to 6th grade who were supposed to attend schools such as Sequoia and Boos were sent to the Bolsa Chica School for afternoon sessions. Initially a placeholder name, the school would be renamed in honor of Westminster resident, Frank N. Eastwood.

Mr. Eastwood was a distinguished member of the community, being the city’s water superintendent while also serving as one of Westminster’s volunteer firefighters. As the water superintendent, Eastwood knew where the water lines ran throughout the city, enabling the Westminster School District to access water needed to run the schools. In 1949, he was elected to the School Board while his daughters attended 17th Street School. He would be one of the four school district trustees who would be continually re-elected along with trustees Clegg, Schmitt, and Willmore.

Dedicated to Frank Eastwood on April 28, 1965, the school would have many different activities such as Junior Olympics, penny auctions, music programs, and a newspaper known as The Eastwood Examiner. Later, the Dolphin Camp Out would become one of Eastwood’s frequent annual events.