About Measure U
Why must we approve a bond measure.
Decades have passed since our schools underwent meaningful reform. Eighty percent of our schools no longer serve the needs of our pupils due to our ancient infrastructure, which is over sixty years old. Our buildings' deteriorating infrastructure includes fractured walls from the 1960s, deteriorating roofing, and malfunctioning electrical systems.
- Some schools lack kitchens
- We experienced more than 140 roof leaks in 2023-24
- Most HVAC units are 25+ years old and should be replaced every 15 years
Measure U will upgrade dilapidated community schools; repair and build new classrooms, labs, sites, buildings, and equipment; and address deteriorated roofs, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Future generations and our community will benefit from investments made in better school facilities. It's time for our schools to get updated!
Bond Fund Priorities
- Install security cameras and upgrade campus safety and security systems.
- Replace old wiring, plumbing, roofs that are falling apart, and ineffective heating and air conditioning systems.
- For career and technology education (CTE) subjects covering health sciences, engineering, technology, robotics, and skilled trades, provide contemporary classrooms and labs.
- Renovate and enhance restrooms, performing arts spaces, and student athletic facilities.
- Build and update cafeteria and kitchen facilities in schools.
- Increase and enhance parking at school locations, patching and replacing asphalt.
- Installing public address (PA) systems further.
- Decrease the use of mobile classrooms.
- Facility alignment with upcoming educational requirements.
Where will Measure U dollars be spent.
The Board of Education decided on July 18, 2024, to put a $80 million bond initiative on the ballot in November 2024. This will give cash for the District to renovate its facilities, fix any structural issues, improve security and safety protocols, and lessen its use on portable classrooms.
Numerous school districts in the Los Angeles County region are requesting bond measures in response to the introduction of Proposition 2, a statewide school facilities bond initiative that, if successful, would maximize state matching payments for local bond measures.
Lynwood Unified may be eligible for matching state monies, which may bring the total potential investment for buildings to $200 million.
In the event that the bond measure is approved, a single-family home would pay an average of $149 per year for the duration of the bond, based on an annual tax rate of $50 per $100,000 of the assessed valuation of the property.
Investing in our community.
The quality of our public schools is the most important factor that affects property values. Ensuring they are safe, up-to-date and in good working condition will protect the investment we've made in our homes. High quality schools contribute to community pride and maintain property values.
Measure U will keep our dollars under control.
Measure U has been carefully crafted to ensure all funds stay local and cannot be taken by the State. We require strict fiscal accountability and will appoint a Citizens oversight committee made up of homeowners, parents, business owners and concerned citizens. Measure U funds cannot be used for administrative salaries or benefits.
Inadequate Space
A recent study analyzed the current programs offered, capacity and usage of each building in Lynwood Unified School District Schools.
The study found that 5 schools (Lynwood High, Lugo Elementary, Marshall Elementary, Lindbergh Childcare and Will Rogers Childcare) are approaching inadequate space for the number of students and programs needed.
Inadequate Facilities
Suitability
Suitability
Suitability
When it comes to wether a school facility is "suitable" in providing adequate educational programming, 5 Lynwood Schools scored poor and 10 scored fair. Only 5 of 20 Lynwood Campuses scored good and none scored excellent.
Facilities
Suitability
Suitability
The study found that 17 of the facilities' buildings scored fair, one scored poor and one scored unsatisfactory. Of the 22 Lynwood Facilities only 2 scored good and one scored excellent with regard to the state of the buildings.
Grounds
Suitability
Grounds
Additionally, a study of the grounds (playgrounds, fields, parking lots, etc) found that 8 campuses where in fair condition and one was in poor condition.
Many of our school campuses consist of a mix of buildings. Some of these "newer" buildings were built after 2004 but many of the "older" buildings were built nearly 60 years ago and are in need of repairs. The MGT group scored each type of building, both older and newer. They found that with regard to the older buildings at the 22 sites studied; only 6 were in fair condition, 10 were in poor condition and 3 were in unsatisfactory condition. This means that ALL of the campuses with older buildings are in need of upgrades and/or repairs.
MGT then took the scores of both the newer and older buildings and combined the scores to give an overall score for each school. They found that only 5 Lynwood schools were in good condition, 15 were in fair condition and one was in poor condition.
Our Kids Deserve Better
