With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
LAUSD board approves $9 billion bond election
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond (on the left stool) and LAUSD superintendent Albert Carvalho visit Van Deene Avenue Elementary School.
(
Mariana Dale
/
LAist
)
The Los Angeles Unified School District board voted unanimously Wednesday to send a $9 billion bond to voters in November to fund school repairs and upgrades.
Yes, that’s a lot of money
The school facilities bond for the entire state, which voters this fall will know as Prop 2, is $10 billion. If approved, the bond would replenish a pool of money districts can request for new construction and repairs, but to access that money, districts have to put up matching dollars.
Why it matters
LAUSD wants to upgrade and repair facilities that serve more than 400,000 students. By the district’s estimate, 50,000 HVAC units, 18 million square feet of roofs, and 2 million square feet of plumbing piping need replacing. Other priorities include enhancing accessibility for students with disabilities, better energy efficiency, and green space. (That work can take a while.) A bond helps do that by raising money through increased taxes.
Support for LAist comes from
Taxes, you say?
The district estimates the bond would cost property-owners $25.04 per $100,000 of assessed value.
Read the full proposal
Weigh in
Support for LAist comes from
Contact your school board member
Find Your LAUSD Board Member
-
LAUSD board members can amplify concerns from parents, students, and educators. Find your representative below.
-
District 1 map, includes Mid City, parts of South LA
Board Member George McKenna
Email: george.mckenna@lausd.net
Call: 213-241-6382 -
District 2 map, includes Downtown, East LA
Board Member Rocío Rivas
Email: rocio.rivas@lausd.net
Call: 213-241-6020 -
District 3 map, includes West San Fernando Valley, North Hollywood
Board Member Scott Schmerelson
Email: scott.schmerelson@lausd.net
Call: (213) 241-8333 -
District 4 map, includes West Hollywood, some beach cities
Board Member Nick Melvoin
Email: nick.melvoin@lausd.net
Call: 213-241-6387 -
District 5 map, includes parts of Northeast and Southwest LA
Board President Jackie Goldberg
Email: jackie.goldberg@lausd.net
Call: (213) 241-5555 -
District 6 map, includes East San Fernando Valley
Board Member Kelly Gonez
Email: kelly.gonez@lausd.net
Call: 213-241-6388 -
District 7 map, includes South LA, and parts of the South Bay
Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin
Email: tanya.franklin@lausd.net
Call: (213) 241-6385
Senior education editor Ross Brenneman contributed to this story.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures.
Best of LAist