Pomona Unified spotlights Lopez Urban Farm and expanded learning program as enrollment and community partnerships grow

Pomona Unified trustees heard two presentations on March 11 highlighting community partnerships and expanded learning that staff say are helping students and families beyond the school day.

Bianca Ustrell, director of operations for Community Partners for Innovation, detailed five years of work at Lopez Urban Farm, which uses a three‑acre district parcel next to Lopez Elementary School for food access, youth education and community wellness. "In that 5 years, we've given away about 500,000 pounds of fresh produce for PUSD families," Ustrell told the board, and described partnerships with Western University and Cal Poly that support weekly education, field trips and junior farmers programming.

Natalie Moreno, who spoke as the farm’s board president, urged formalizing the partnership so Lopez Urban Farm and the district can pursue larger grants and capital projects. Moreno noted prior regional funding the farm helped secure and said continued collaboration would position the district as a model for school greening and climate‑resilient schoolyards.

Separately, Alan Pantanini presented the district’s annual review of the TLC Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP/TLC), a nine‑hour after‑school and intersession program that the district said serves 3,561 students across trustee areas — a 66% increase over three years. Pantanini said wait lists persist at many sites and detailed the program’s offerings, from targeted tutoring and STEM to arts, sports and partnerships with 15 community organizations. "Every one of those 3,561 students represents a family who now has reliable, high‑quality care and enrichment in after school," Pantanini said.

Pantanini described how the program integrates multiple funding streams and highlighted upcoming activities, including a spring intercession (March 30–April 3) and a summer STEAM Academy (June 3–July 1). He also announced a Dodgers Foundation partnership that will sponsor coed youth baseball teams across several elementary sites.

Why it matters: Trustees and staff framed both programs as supports that reduce barriers for working families, increase hands‑on learning, and create pathways to outside funding. Board members asked staff how the district is publicizing successes and ensuring adequate staffing as participation grows.

What’s next: Presenters asked the board to continue formalizing the district’s partnerships (including Lopez Urban Farm) so those projects can compete for state and county climate‑resiliency and parks funding. Pantanini said registration remains open for spring and summer programs and that staff are tracking wait lists to prioritize expansion.