The Lynwood Unified Citizens’ Oversight Committee, made up of newly appointed community members, held its first meeting on April 8, where members received an overview of completed bond-funded projects and began their role in promoting transparency and accountability in the use of voter-approved school bond funds.
Appointed by the Board of Education on February 13, the committee includes Irma Arroyo, Sergio Banuelos, Briseida Gonzalez, Blanca Mendoza, Magali Ochoa, Imelda Rodriguez and Claudia Velasquez. The group will meet annually to review how funds from Measures K, N and U – approved by voters in 2012, 2016 and 2024, respectively – are being spent.
Measure K & N Project Updates:
During its first meeting, the committee received an update on Measure K and N projects completed between February 2024 and January 2025, including:
- Exterior painting at Marshall Elementary and Vista High
- A new culinary arts classroom at Lynwood High School Bullis Campus
- Roof replacement at Abbott Elementary and LHS-Bullis
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades across multiple schools
Additional campus improvements planned this summer include:
- Exterior painting at Helen Keller and Will Rogers elementary schools
- Roof replacement at Abbott Elementary and Cesar Chavez Middle School
- HVAC replacements at Abbott, Lindbergh, Lugo, Mark Twain, Roosevelt, Washington, Will Rogers and Wilson elementary schools
Projects in design include expanding parking at Washington Elementary and playground enhancements at Will Rogers, Lincoln, Abbott and Rosa Parks elementary schools. A Districtwide HVAC replacement is also in the works.
Measure U: What’s Next?
Staff is currently exploring the timing for issuing Measure U bonds, which will be released in three to four series rather than all at once. The earliest the new tax would appear on property tax bills is December 2025.
At the same time, staff is working closely with the Board of Education to review a new facilities master plan and develop a project list. Due to required timelines and the public bidding process, construction funded by Measure U is expected to begin in summer 2026.
The Citizens’ Oversight Committee is a state-required group that ensures bond funds are used solely for facility improvements and new construction as approved by voters. Members will serve a two-year term and provide annual reports to the Board and the Lynwood community.
Lynwood Unified remains committed to providing safe, modern learning environments for all students and deeply values the community’s ongoing support in building schools that meet the needs of today and tomorrow.