2024 Measure U Bond Information

This section of the website contains informational details about Lynwood Unified School District's 2024 Measure U bond proposal, bond updates, cost, ballot language, focus areas and more.

Dear Lynwood Unified Community,

As we conclude the 2024 General Election and witness the results, I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your overwhelming support of Measure U. Your commitment to our students, schools and community demonstrates the strength of our shared vision for a brighter future in Lynwood.

With the passage of this $80 million facilities bond – as well as state Proposition 2, which may potentially boost our funding to over $200 million – we will be able to move forward with essential facility upgrades and improvements across our District. These funds will ensure that our schools provide safe, modern and inspiring environments that match the high standards of education we strive to deliver. Our projects will include enhancing security systems, upgrading classrooms and technology, improving athletic facilities, and making critical repairs to aging infrastructure. This investment in our schools will support current and future generations of students as they pursue their educational and career goals.

I want to emphasize our District’s commitment to transparency and accountability as we implement these projects. We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress and sharing the milestones we achieve together. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our students and for making this vital investment in our community's future.

Together, we are building a legacy of success in Lynwood.

With gratitude,

Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D.,

Superintendent

Bond Proposal – What You Should Know

Lynwood Unified has completed critical projects from two prior voter-approved initiatives, Measures K and N, passed in 2012 and 2016, respectively. However, most LUSD schools are 60 years or older, have not been modernized and require essential upgrades to electrical systems, plumbing, roofing and more:

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

On July 18, 2024, the Board of Education voted to place an $80 million bond measure on the November 2024 ballot to provide funding to further upgrade District facilities, make structural repairs, upgrade safety measures and security systems, and reduce reliance on portable classrooms.

If passed, the bond measure would cost an average of $149 annually for a single-family residence over the life of the bond, based on an annual tax rate of $50 per $100,000 of aproperty’s assessed valuation.

Election Day is on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

Bond Proposal Focus Areas

Improve campus safety and security systems; installation of security cameras
Replace deteriorating roofs, plumbing, outdated electrical and inefficient heating and air conditioning systems
Provide modern classrooms and labs for career and technology education (CTE) classes, including health sciences, engineering, technology, robotics and skilled trades
Upgrade and improve student athletic facilities, performing arts venues and restrooms
Construct and modernize school kitchens and cafeteria facilities
Expand and improve parking at school sites
Asphalt repair and replacement
Continued Public Address (PA) system installation
Reduce reliance on portable classrooms
Align facilities with future educational needs

Why Now?

In California, every school district is responsible for raising funds for facilities and relies on local support to improve their schools. Dozens of school districts across Los Angeles County are pursuing bond measures following the announcement of Proposition 2, a statewide school facilities bond measure that, if approved, would maximize state matching funds for local bond measures.

Lynwood Unified could receive matching state funds, resulting in $200 million in potential facilities funding.

Comparison to Other Recent Bonds in LA County

As educational needs evolve, school districts are increasingly turning to facilities bonds to fund essential capital improvements. Across the region, many districts have successfully passed facilities bonds, securing the financial backing needed to invest in their future. Below is an overview of how other school district communities are investing in education.

What Will Measure U Do? Ballot Language

“To repair and improve aging neighborhood schools to support student achievement and college/career readiness in math, science, technology, engineering, arts/skills trades; fix deteriorating roofs, plumbing, electrical; improve safety/security systems; repair, construct and acquire classrooms, labs, sites, facilities/equipment; shall Lynwood Unified School District’s measure authorizing $80,000,000 in bonds at legal rates be adopted, levying $50 per $100,000 assessed value ($4,800,000 annually) while bonds are outstanding, with citizen oversight, independent audits, and all money locally controlled?”

Key Dates:

Tuesday, October 8, 2024: Polls and Ballot drop-off locations open
Monday, October 21, 2024: The last day to register to vote for the November 5 General Election
November 5, 2024: Election Day