District outlines Measure I projects, says $240 million bond proceeds are on hand

The Inglewood Unified School District on June 25 gave board members a detailed update on Measure I projects and timelines, saying the district now has the full $240 million in bond proceeds on its books and has begun targeted construction and modernization work.

Rafael Guzman, who gave the presentation, said the district issued a first tranche of $75 million in 2021 and completed the most recent issuance in April; the districts records show the remaining $165 million was recorded after that sale. "Measure I, as you know, was approved by voters back in November 2020," Guzman said. "It was a $240,000,000 bond." He told the board that about $13 million has been spent so far and that all funds have been accounted for.

Why it matters: the bond is the largest capital program the district has underway and will fund extensive rebuilding and modernization at multiple campuses. Guzman said some projects will be completed as early as summer 2025 while larger projects, including the Inglewood High School reconstruction, extend to 2027 and beyond.

Key details and projects: Guzman listed prioritized projects and timing. - Kelso School: modernization with new classrooms, synthetic turf, sitewide asphalt replacement, parking and ADA/exterior upgrades, targeted for completion by August 2025. - Centinela: major refresh including window replacements in Buildings A and B, roof repairs, new flooring and furniture to accommodate higher enrollment. - Morningside: temporary classroom refurbishments and security upgrades to be finished for fall placement. - CDC (reconstruction): full reconstruction beginning summer 2025, with DSA approval and the Nazarian Group named as contractor; Guzman described it as a new-build reconstruction including classrooms, multipurpose spaces and playgrounds with a planned 2026 completion window for parts of the project. - Bennett Q: new six-classroom building with a makerspace and associated site work, construction starting summer 2025 and expected to finish in 2026. - Oak Street: a TKK campus and child center with 10 classrooms and shade structures; estimated construction 20262027. - Inglewood High School: the largest element, a multi-building reconstruction including two CTE buildings, student commons, new admin and cafeteria spaces, labs and career center functions; Guzman said demolition and phased construction begin this year with student occupancy targeted for 2028; he described the high-school portion as roughly a $232 million element of the program.

Guzman added that the districts credit rating improved after the sale, moving from a B category into an A rating at the time of issuance, and said there was far more investor interest than the district could accept: "we had about $2,200,000,000 of orders" for the bond when it was sold.

Community process and naming: trustees asked whether campuses (notably the site referred to in materials as Kelso and formerly called Warren Lane or Daniel Freeman by community members) would keep their prior names. District staff said the operational CDS code had moved with the campus and that the district is using "Kelso" for the transition; a community committee will be convened to recommend a permanent name to the board.

What remains: Guzman said active steps include continuing construction, seeking remaining DSA approvals, holding community outreach through the facilities advisory committee and scheduling further groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings.

The board did not take a separate vote on individual Measure I projects during the presentation; the update was informational and followed by trustee questions.