LAUSD Board Approves Historic $9 Billion School Construction Bond for November Ballot
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) made a monumental decision on Wednesday as the school board unanimously approved a $9 billion school construction bond to be put on the November ballot. This bond is the largest ever proposed by the district and comes at a critical time when many of LAUSD’s school facilities are in desperate need of upgrades and improvements. If passed by voters, this bond would provide much-needed funding to address the pressing infrastructure needs of the district.
Urgent Need for School Facility Upgrades
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho emphasized the urgent need for the $9 billion bond, pointing out the stark disparities between schools in the district. While some schools boast state-of-the-art facilities with the latest technology and amenities, others are in dire need of basic upgrades. More than 60% of LAUSD campuses are over 50 years old, and the district faces over $80 billion in unfunded facility and technology needs. The costs of construction have also been steadily rising, making it increasingly challenging for the district to address these pressing needs.
Carvalho stressed the importance of ensuring that all schools in the district have adequate safety features, are seismically sound, and meet the standards of 21st-century learning. The $9 billion bond would also focus on improving disability access, reducing discrepancies between older and newer schools, expanding outdoor spaces, transitioning to a new food service model, and improving energy efficiency. The district estimates that approximately 525 school buildings may need to be retrofitted, modernized, or replaced for earthquake safety.
Concerns and Support for the Bond Measure
While there is widespread support for the bond measure, some concerns have been raised about the process by which it was developed. Michael Hamner, the chair of LAUSD’s Bond Oversight Committee, expressed his disappointment in not being more involved in the bond’s development. He emphasized the importance of consulting key stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
Despite these concerns, Carvalho reassured stakeholders that the district would consider their views moving forward. He acknowledged that the process of moving forward with the bond was condensed but emphasized the district’s commitment to involving various stakeholders in the decision-making process. The urgency of addressing the district’s critical facility needs was underscored by Carvalho, who emphasized that regardless of changes in enrollment or square footage, the need for facility improvements would remain significant.
Board member Rocio Rivas highlighted the link between improved facilities and better academic outcomes, improved attendance, and better mental health among students. Board President Jackie Goldberg echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the impact that inadequate facilities can have on students’ self-worth and educational experience.
In conclusion, the $9 billion school construction bond proposed by LAUSD represents a significant investment in the future of the district’s students. By addressing the critical infrastructure needs of schools and ensuring that all students have access to safe, modern, and high-quality facilities, the bond has the potential to positively impact the educational outcomes and well-being of students across the district. It is now up to voters to decide whether to support this historic bond measure and make a lasting investment in the future of LAUSD.