[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6116109,"mediaKeyId","2734503-22f5980ed48037cd8292f1ffa51e6fc6","parentId",2734503,"title","Superintendent highlights Kidvention expo, toy‑loan pilot and upcoming park and facility events","audioSeconds",238,"startMs",6287000,"endMs",6525000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2734503-22f5980ed48037cd8292f1ffa51e6fc6&start=6287&end=6525","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2734503-22f5980ed48037cd8292f1ffa51e6fc6/thumbnail_6287000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6116109/California/Superintendent-highlights-Kidvention-expo-toyloan-pilot-and-upcoming-park-and-facility-events","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116109-4148a761c0cfa9eeac33d0157341a713/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146951&Signature=iecO1ZORugRku4NnmijCkhqCB-lyHKYA-kQ-sL-VYTvxyZtM0gnh2XnnSEgJHC8PeTS-TL963fUXqe~U8ywpb5vUM~z8Ytndsn9G9fhO-LOowvcPdHCm8Ve6L7Y4SDjtVBKbf9ZICYtvtjGo-ZVdgclr1OPvSe1usw0XeIVbCzgAMTUeb8DR0nP0PEO62fwsFU18jgbQWHxKXpW5mtOwiN5cG0juKTqTufg4rjwoODDcSEvZ24WrDVWpGJeR4gP8DxIV4JVfxqg750kluwzPSoRCqwnoCvqKJUY35SdVkQ27GKqsIyC6bIhhmspuSNeCtjHNmBUcIma0riNhXN44qg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lawndale Elementary","date","2025-03-21T14:22:32Z","article","Superintendent Castro used the March 27 board meeting to summarize district activities and upcoming events.

Educational Services highlighted the RAP Kidvention Expo, where student finalists pitched invention projects; the district continues a partnership with SparkReach and plans to support Young Entrepreneurs National Pitch Challenge participants. The state preschool program will launch a Toy Loan Program at Carson State Preschool on April 8 to let preschoolers borrow toys for a week, the superintendent said; volunteers are being sought.

Castro also invited the board to a ribbon cutting for the new administrative building at Will Rogers Middle School scheduled for Monday (4:30–5:00 p.m.) and said irrigation work at Rogers Anderson Park will start April 7 and tentatively finish in early July; the park’s grass areas will be closed during construction but the wellness center will remain accessible. The superintendent also noted Read Across America and other site events and thanked staff for partnership work with the city’s parks and rec department.

The board also recognized Monique Benjamin for long service as Director of Budgeting and Accounting; the superintendent presented a small gift and thanked her for years of fiscal service.

Why it matters: The report highlights district enrichment programs, community partnerships and short‑term facility impacts that affect families’ access to parks and services during construction.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board Meeting of the Lawndale Elementary School District","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Castro reported on district events including the RAP Kidvention Expo, a new Toy Loan Program at Carson State Preschool, a ribbon cutting at Will Rogers Middle School and an irrigation project at Rogers Anderson Park scheduled April–July.","taxTitle","Lawndale Elementary, School Districts, California","taxId",55363,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6116113,"District staff recommend \"positive\" second interim certification as enrollment declines",1144,4466000,5610000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2734503-22f5980ed48037cd8292f1ffa51e6fc6&start=4466&end=5610","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2734503-22f5980ed48037cd8292f1ffa51e6fc6/thumbnail_4466000.jpg","/articles/6116113/California/District-staff-recommend-positive-second-interim-certification-as-enrollment-declines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116113-261d098f925e092dae734913d0611feb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146951&Signature=SrgWEFY-WvfweK-b0N6tZDJRZ1bOCcb7UMyDVkkHJdbTb1ceukStTUrGUC8zseI9HyGD4wIw8JyNPrUyVw13tLrx5vf7osxIN~DIKHM4NocFTOk82ombXdYBzBkrwwF4~IzYtS8GNowEC4Pxsjt1gH6gGUb4N3sgjnFMFf~tLPZctvBJZoWSY9qc92kd1WzwTyDrlKLCMR5nsudep4IceUT-9VjEp~N80nuSwi2fPTDKNwT-3rFGgaBvcRAlNWsxZn4G0yy7pf6Mz4J11SRoYYSYfw-Pk1emRtbxLY-LUQ7tEFCJdsBRPq~15SjzPTKnGtu9Juz~5QvR1L-KxRtnuw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lawndale Elementary School District staff presented the 2024–25 second interim budget on March 27 and recommended the board approve a “positive” certification for the current fiscal year and the subsequent two years.

Assistant Superintendent of Business Howard Ho and Director of Budgeting and Accounting Monique Benjamin walked the board through key assumptions: a 1.07% COLA for 2024–25, continuing CalPERS pension increases, statewide special education cost pressures, and declining enrollment the district estimates at about 2.5% year‑over‑year. Benjamin said certified enrollment for the year was 4,324 and staff project enrollment will be about 4,111 in 2026–27.

Ho summarized certification levels and said positive certification “means that the district will be able to meet its financial obligations for the current fiscal year and the subsequent 2 years.” Benjamin presented revenue details (LCFF revenues near $62 million, local revenue increases mainly from interest and facility usage, federal funds including IDEA and Title I) and expenditure assumptions (step/column increases, pension costs, a 1% ongoing salary increase approved in February for certificated staff, and a district contribution to restricted programs).

Benjamin said the district expects deficit spending patterns tied to declining enrollment; a slide in the presentation indicated a deficit of about $7,800,000 in the current year and increasing in the out years under the stated assumptions. Ho said the district will monitor the Governor’s May revise, federal and state developments, the effect of executive orders, and the local economy.

Trustees asked questions about the recent federal executive order and potential impacts on federal funding; Superintendent Castro and staff said state and county offices are monitoring the situation and that guidance is still pending.

Why it matters: Second interim certification signals the district’s short‑term fiscal posture to the public and county office of education. Declining enrollment and pension pressure are national and statewide issues that affect local budgets.

Next steps: The staff recommendation for positive certification was presented to the board; follow‑up work will include monitoring the May revise and attending to local budget adjustments. Monique Benjamin was recognized during the meeting for long service to the district; the presentation was noted as her last to the board before retirement.","Assistant Superintendent Howard Ho and Director Monique Benjamin presented the 2024–25 second interim budget, recommended a positive certification and described revenue/expenditure assumptions including a $7.8 million current‑year deficit driven by declining enrollment and rising costs.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6116119,"District committee pilots Bridges from Vista as preferred ELD curriculum for middle schools",295,3888000,4183000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2734503-22f5980ed48037cd8292f1ffa51e6fc6&start=3888&end=4183","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2734503-22f5980ed48037cd8292f1ffa51e6fc6/thumbnail_3888000.jpg","/articles/6116119/California/District-committee-pilots-Bridges-from-Vista-as-preferred-ELD-curriculum-for-middle-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116119-daf14ed03edd6337518201984f2f4899/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146951&Signature=HIDJk4Fnsixnlb6QgwKGGNX35ZrFShFWSCHRNFoO3oE36PNsYc4D5CqRpYgLogFTWwGQ5KUHH9PpJ2RsRy550FVuF8RCfJlylDesT4gM4Jvhs6lDgEwRWbGpMEr77tE-GyLbQc-k~BneKSCVPtr4iY5RCj6lk6SpLhUNdcMKcVekHrvfS7r2FL5VABPzjlK-xdZojIccBmvPVDq5ywuf7tv1X-Dr1OMt2Sb1X3W8WUsgg4FjuJw1kIDWxrBpUa~nFCi3yvMHj3Hd6slmRqoPvAE3hPOFbg6H8PRHnKADq3ZX7iBpNnSVz5J0~Pz4thzlLZUDSBTm4FdZX2vvSTUcaQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff told the Lawndale board on March 27 that middle school English language development (ELD) teachers piloted three publishers and recommended Bridges from Vista for district adoption.

Doctor Julie Kane described the 2024–25 adoption process as following the California Department of Education’s local instructional materials guidance and the CDE adoption toolkit, with multiple committee meetings of middle school ELD teachers and ELRTs. She said the district evaluated iLit for English Learners, Bridges from Vista (Bridges), and English 3D and that teachers “overwhelmingly selected Bridges from Vista for our pilot and for our adoption.”

Kane said teachers are already using the Bridges pilot materials, that the publisher produces materials aligned with the district’s newcomer curriculum (facilitating movement between levels), and that Bridges includes pre‑made assessments aligned to the Local Educational Agency’s LPAC processes and both computer‑based and paper checks. She said, if approved, the plan is to adopt Bridges for the 2025–26 school year and to bring a formal recommendation to the board for approval at the April 17 meeting.

Board members asked clarifying questions. Trustee Morales asked whether students had provided feedback; Kane said students are giving feedback during the pilot. Kane said the selection committee included the two middle‑school ELRTs and all of the middle‑school ELD teachers.

Why it matters: Instructional materials and alignment to assessment requirements affect how English learners move through reclassification and secondary readiness. The committee emphasized continuity from newcomer materials through higher proficiency levels.

Next steps: Staff offered board members samples and online access to the materials and indicated formal adoption would be on the board agenda for April 17, 2025.","District staff said middle school English language development teachers piloted three programs and recommended Bridges from Vista for adoption; board will consider formal adoption at the April 17 meeting.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6116121,"Billy Mitchell students, staff showcase dual immersion, pathways and makerspace programs",912,2320000,3232000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2734503-22f5980ed48037cd8292f1ffa51e6fc6&start=2320&end=3232","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2734503-22f5980ed48037cd8292f1ffa51e6fc6/thumbnail_2320000.jpg","/articles/6116121/California/Billy-Mitchell-students-staff-showcase-dual-immersion-pathways-and-makerspace-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116121-00e94d0b7ae37281c254a4b03c5e4721/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146951&Signature=KMWbGJlS1qRr-ms0EvybxGBU3drwqoAbtFqrpGXV-9SOqmPuhsSnnnWKTCkCnhAz99ugOBGwHoQP-lOjhM4P4nCEpvKy7eJAavjAcMCtQD-z8ksQRgqEv10BgPnpqE2dngbJJ~0Oe0ys7WGr8ih6fUlrdyAhoPc6TlmvfQtcjc5ptnMJOKh2hJc~2bZcTVOfhdtg554hJqtcS7gShEV2g6M8i1iAuucOAQKkijGEFsW-WS6l-Y4cO0NDhSLRYpq9kixacJu7Mhy8W5p3TOcLObjStFYd1shMVR5cFK35wXGnTyXLETnblKkl4XHhSrsCDFn21~VUEaGZYj7NPxKVdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Billy Mitchell Elementary School presented a school spotlight to the Lawndale Elementary School District Board of Trustees on March 27, showcasing its dual immersion program, a pathways/high‑inclusion class and a makerspace that uses CS First coding curriculum.

Principal Doctor Dahlia Coronel opened the presentation and described school programs, calling staff “amazing” and saying school drivers guide their daily work. Assistant Principal Marisol Perez described the Pathways program as “a specialized day class… serving students that start in TK all the way through fifth grade” that provides “access to general education settings” through a high‑inclusion model.

Teachers and students demonstrated classroom work. Makerspace lead Amaris Lorenzini said the school’s makerspace — the district’s first — supports technology, robotics and engineering, aligned with NGSS and California Computer Science Standards. Fifth‑grade teacher Kathy Mai described use of CS First, and student Elias Martinez told the board, “CS First allows me to learn how to code movement and sounds. I have created really cool things.”

Parents and students praised the dual immersion classes. Parent Stephanie Kingdon, whose child began in the kindergarten cohort that started dual immersion in 2022, said the program “has been wonderful… it’s been wonderful to see Casey’s literacy grow in English and Spanish.” Second‑grade dual immersion student Willow Irvin said learning Spanish “will help me speak with other people that speak Spanish.”

The presentation also included two students from the Pathways program describing their classroom experiences, and PTA treasurer Shai Johnson summarized community events such as the school’s Black History Month Soaring Legacies program.

Why it matters: The spotlight highlighted district priorities — bilingual education, inclusive services and STEM learning — and provided board members direct examples of student outcomes and family engagement.

Board response: Trustees praised the presentations. Trustee Morales said the dual immersion “is working very well,” and Trustee Phillips and Trustee Burrows complimented student speakers.

","At the March 27 Lawndale board meeting, Billy Mitchell Elementary staff, students and families highlighted the school's dual immersion program, a high‑inclusion pathways program and a district-leading makerspace and CS First coding curriculum.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6116126,"Lawndale board approves routine agenda items, accepts closed-session settlement",5362,1394000,6756000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2734503-22f5980ed48037cd8292f1ffa51e6fc6&start=1394&end=6756","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2734503-22f5980ed48037cd8292f1ffa51e6fc6/thumbnail_1394000.jpg","/articles/6116126/California/Lawndale-board-approves-routine-agenda-items-accepts-closed-session-settlement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6116126-90545a148fa9d4e31fb902afb8a47096/orig.mp4?Expires=1771146951&Signature=gq~QjW0lP1m6zjLBuNdLjq2XMQvkvHy8o97Z3ez1~f9Nz4crN700VBew4XNIHy7Q~zV8A4cVZnrOgSUkA3K35LSNEKmxY5G80lMYdqNMOilt~n~SBGfwPn5ZyMENPRbsecQX-yDRN9sGcPS7E13lvb24WBAlzlgmXdB42qTYzybvkew9BgAhYEBa~nP3A5EoSlGT86tlzZ9tIyP-5Qe28AnKx-1zqTaKAEMfXKRChH51qgxo-4PSrgQHzalgzhXeiwP~bk1xAiGnooQE5yj0I~Ln2pMQ7VpZ7EHHWE5KwaamnwNvL9wduIK9qIW0q1WbeR7E~3tow3dvL-dLHBQTog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lawndale Elementary School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously on multiple routine items and reported the acceptance of a closed‑session settlement at its March 27 meeting.

The board amended its agenda by consensus and later approved the amended agenda on a motion by Trustee Morales, seconded by Trustee Burris. The board approved minutes of the March 6 regular meeting on a motion by Trustee Burrows, seconded by Trustee Morales. Consent items 6.03–6.19, SELPA consent items 7.03–7.04, superintendent action items 8.03–8.11 (with 8.05 previously approved), and SELPA superintendent action items 9.03–9.04 were approved on individual motions; each vote was recorded as carrying 4–0.

In a closed session earlier in the meeting, the board “voted 4 0 to accept our settlement,” the board president said on returning to open session. A settlement number was discussed during the meeting but was not presented in a clear, single numeric form in the open transcript and is therefore not specified in this report.

Why it matters: Routine approvals keep the district operating — moving contracts, budgets and programs forward — and the closed-session acceptance of a settlement concludes a confidential matter the board had been negotiating.

Details: – Agenda amendment: Motion by Trustee Morales; second Trustee Burris; outcome: motion carries 4–0. – School library month resolution (item 8.05) was moved by Trustee Burrows, seconded by Trustee Morales and carried 4–0; the board also recognized library media clerks. – Minutes of March 6, 2025: motion by Trustee Burrows, seconded by Trustee Morales; carried 4–0. – Consent items 6.03–6.19: motion by Trustee Burrows, seconded by Trustee Morales; carried 4–0. – SELPA consent items 7.03–7.04: motion by Trustee Morales, seconded by Trustee Burrows; carried 4–0. – Superintendent action items 8.03–8.11 (except 8.05 already voted): motion by Trustee Morales, seconded by Trustee Phillips; carried 4–0. – SELPA superintendent action items 9.03–9.04: motion by Trustee Burrows, seconded by Trustee Morales; carried 4–0.

The board president noted Clerk Shirley Rudolph was absent for the meeting. No individual roll-call vote details (names for each yes/no) were recorded in the publicly read portions of the transcript for the motions listed above.

Looking ahead: Routine votes like these are part of the board’s regular business cycle; the district will proceed with the items approved tonight.

","The Lawndale Elementary School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously on routine items including an amended agenda, consent and superintendent action items, and accepted a closed-session settlement, the board said at its March 27 meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent highlights Kidvention expo, toy‑loan pilot and upcoming park and facility events

District staff recommend "positive" second interim certification as enrollment declines

District committee pilots Bridges from Vista as preferred ELD curriculum for middle schools

Billy Mitchell students, staff showcase dual immersion, pathways and makerspace programs

Lawndale board approves routine agenda items, accepts closed-session settlement