Parents urge Lynwood Unified to expand autism supports; one speaker warns of past bond overspending

At the Lynwood Unified School District board meeting on Nov. 14, two public speakers pressed trustees to expand local supports for students with autism and to provide strong oversight of the recently passed Measure Y bond funds.

Vivana Fernandez, who identified herself as a representative of a community group, said parents of children with autism need consistent, in‑school programs and described cases in which children were moved between campuses. "Why are our children with autism left with the least of resources? They don't have schools with equipment with programs like CLM," Fernandez said, adding that children need routine, familiarity and placement near their homes rather than being sent long distances.

Martina Rodriguez raised specific concerns about bond‑fund management now that Measure Y passed. Rodriguez told the board she was not opposed to the measure’s goals but said she did not trust past spending and said she had documents showing projects that went "over budget" by various amounts. "The money is given to the districts to take care and the five of you are responsible to take care of this money," Rodriguez said. She said she has documentation and vowed to continue attending meetings to follow up.

Board President Maria Lopez and other trustees acknowledged the comments and said they would notify the public when applications for the Measure Y oversight committee open so community members can apply. The speakers asked the board to prioritize expanding CLM and other autism supports at neighborhood schools and to ensure transparency in contracting and project selection.

The district did not debate or respond with additional program commitments at the meeting; public‑comment requests prompted the board to note next steps for citizen oversight openings.