Lawndale expands community schools and immigrant-support materials after national award notification cancelled

Superintendent Virginia Castro reviewed the district’s community schools expansion and immigrant-support resources, and told parents the district was notified that a pending national award would not be issued by the U.S. Department of Education.

Castro said Lawndale received a California Community Schools Partnership grant two years ago, with last year as the implementation year. She said site leaders have been hired at every school this year under the direction of Emily Lay except for Mark Twain, which did not meet the grant criteria.

Castro described community schools as “all the partnerships coming together” to support families experiencing homelessness, fear of deportation or other basic needs. She said community liaisons and site leaders coordinate services and that immigrant-resource materials — including “red cards” describing rights — have been distributed in multiple languages and will be available through community liaisons.

On national recognition, Castro said Anderson School received the California Distinguished School award, and that Lucille Smith had been nominated for the National Blue Ribbon. Castro told the audience that the U.S. Department of Education informed the district the current administration had cancelled that award cycle; she said the principal and staff were “heartbroken” and that the district had reached out to state contacts to seek local recognition.

Castro asked parents to contact community liaisons to obtain immigrant-resources cards and said district staff have been trained on procedures to support families. She emphasized the district’s stated goal that children be safe at school and that families should not be afraid to send children to school.

Parents were directed to community schools staff and site leaders for further support; the superintendent said more information would be communicated as the district pursues state-level recognition options.