LAUSD Board Approves Historic $9 Billion School Construction Bond for November Ballot
In a landmark decision, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board has unanimously approved a $9 billion school construction bond to be placed on the November ballot. This bond, if passed by voters, will provide much-needed funds to upgrade and improve school facilities across the district. The approval of this bond marks a significant milestone for LAUSD, as it is the largest bond ever to be put on the ballot by the district.
The decision to seek $9 billion in bond money comes at a crucial time for LAUSD, as many of its schools are in dire need of repairs and modernization. According to district officials, more than 60% of LAUSD campuses are at least fifty years old, with over $80 billion in unfunded school facility and technology needs. The costs of construction have also risen by 36% in the past four years, further highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The Urgent Need for Facility Upgrades
Superintendent Alberto Carvalho emphasized the critical nature of the bond, stating, “We have seen schools that are built as Taj Mahals, with the latest and greatest technology, with beautiful green spaces, with outdoor classrooms, with stunning athletic facilities. Then you drive down the road one mile, and you see a completely different world that I cannot explain, and frankly, I cannot accept.” This stark contrast between well-equipped and neglected schools underscores the pressing need for facility upgrades across the district.
The $9 billion bond money will be instrumental in addressing a wide range of needs within LAUSD schools. The funds will be used to ensure schools have adequate safety features and are seismically sound, modernize campuses to align with 21st-century learning standards, improve disability access, reduce disparities between older and newer schools, expand outdoor spaces, transition to a new food service model, and enhance energy efficiency.
According to district materials, approximately 525 school buildings may need to be retrofitted, modernized, or replaced for earthquake safety. These upgrades are crucial to safeguarding the well-being of students and staff and ensuring that schools are equipped to withstand potential natural disasters.
Support and Concerns Surrounding the Bond Measure
While there is widespread support for the $9 billion bond measure, some concerns have been raised about the process of its development. Michael Hamner, the chair of LAUSD’s Bond Oversight Committee, expressed disappointment that his committee was not more involved in the bond’s development. He stated, “While we understand the district’s infrastructure needs are greater than the pool of resources currently available to fund them, the process by which this bond measure was developed and put forward, without consultation of key stakeholder groups such as ourselves — and therefore outside public view — prevents us from providing any meaningful comment.”
In response to these concerns, Superintendent Carvalho acknowledged that the process of moving forward with the bond was condensed but emphasized the district’s commitment to considering the views of various stakeholders. It is essential for transparency and collaboration to ensure that the funds are allocated effectively and address the most pressing needs of LAUSD schools.
Amidst a decline in district enrollment, some have argued that LAUSD should wait to move forward with the bond measure until a better understanding of the district’s needs is established. However, Carvalho emphasized the urgency of the facility improvements, stating that regardless of potential changes in enrollment, the district’s need for upgraded facilities will remain significant.
Impact of Improved Facilities on Academic Outcomes
Improved school facilities have been linked to better academic outcomes, improved attendance, and enhanced mental health among students. School board member Rocio Rivas highlighted the importance of providing students with quality learning environments, stating, “Kids know when they have not the best — they don’t have it as good.” Board President Jackie Goldberg echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of investing in students and providing them with the resources they deserve.
In conclusion, the approval of the $9 billion school construction bond represents a significant step forward for LAUSD in addressing the urgent needs of its schools. With the support of voters in November, the district will have the opportunity to make essential upgrades and improvements that will benefit generations of students to come. It is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the bond funds are used effectively and transparently to create safe, modern, and inclusive learning environments for all LAUSD students.