Board welcomes Emily Lay as community schools coordinator for new school year

The Lawndale Elementary School District Board made significant strides in enhancing community engagement and educational resources during their recent meeting on April 18, 2025. A key highlight was the introduction of Emily Lay as the new district community schools coordinator, who will lead a team of seven site coordinators across various schools. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties and improve support services for students and families.

The board emphasized the importance of hiring qualified personnel early in the year, which has now been successfully achieved. The new coordinators will begin their roles at the start of the upcoming school year, with plans for them to attend training conferences to better equip them for their responsibilities. These conferences include the Community Schools Conference in Fresno and the MTSS Conference in Anaheim, which will provide valuable insights and strategies for their work.

In addition to staffing updates, the board discussed the need to revisit and update the community schools' needs assessment conducted two years ago. This process will involve engaging with stakeholders to ensure that current priorities align with the community's evolving needs. The coordinators will establish site advisory teams to facilitate this engagement and revise budgets accordingly.

Another important agenda item was the approval of the new English Language Development (ELD) curriculum, "Bridges" by Vista Higher Learning, which will replace the discontinued textbook series. This decision reflects the board's commitment to providing effective educational resources for English learners.

The meeting also included routine approvals of previous minutes and consent items, with all motions passing unanimously. Board members expressed appreciation for the administrative staff and volunteers, highlighting their contributions to the district's success.

As the district prepares for the upcoming school year, these developments signal a proactive approach to enhancing educational support and community involvement, setting a positive trajectory for Lawndale Elementary School District.