TELECONFERENCING
The meeting utilized teleconferencing in accordance with safe social distancing practices. The meeting was also streamed to Facebook Live. Public comment was available through email and voice recording prior to the meeting.
STUDENT REPORTS
Students of the District’s high schools and Lynwood Community Adult School provided updates. College and career counselors continue to work with students on their completion of FAFSA, Dream Act, and California State University college applications following the extension of deadlines. Counselors are holding virtual college assistance hours through Zoom, and Lynwood High boasts more than 180 students who have recently applied to a CSU and or UC.
CULINARY ARTS GRANT
The District announced a new $350,000 grant to expand its culinary arts program. In a collaboration with Long Beach City College, the program will modernize culinary labs and provide additional workforce internships for students.
GRADING RESOLUTION
The District’s grading resolution, which ensures students will not be penalized by the pandemic and achieves equity, has been finalized and is moving toward official acceptance by the Board of Education. Professional development for administrators and staff is being prepared.
BUDGET UPDATE
Chief Business Officer Gregory Fromm presented the District’s First Interim Financial Report. The report was certified as being qualified in the middle tier, meaning it’s not definitive that the District will meet financial obligations in the current or two subsequent fiscal years. This was anticipated due to the budgetary impact of COVID felt throughout the state. Lynwood Unified continues to be proactive in protecting funds for the future. Gov. Gavin Newsom will submit a proposed state budget in January.
LYNWOOD HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING UPDATE
Inspections are continuing at Lynwood High School, and access to the campus is restricted out of an abundance of caution. Public access has been restricted since a section of ceiling panels collapsed on June 16. Immediately after the collapse, the Board of Education approved a contract to retain a structural engineer to conduct an independent inspection in collaboration with the California Division of State Architect to ensure the building is safe and secure.
FACILITIES
Lynwood Unified continues to improve facilities at school sites through Measure K and N projects. The Board approved a request to enter service agreements on structural improvement projects throughout the District.
BOARD REORGANIZATION
The Board of Education will swear-in re-elected members Gary Hardie Jr. and Maria Lopez, as well as newly elected member Alma Carina Castro during a special ceremony on Dec. 11 that also sees board roles reorganized.