Board approves Measure G delegation to superintendent after divided debate

The Norwalk‑La Mirada Unified School District board voted 4–3 to approve a resolution delegating authority to the superintendent to approve change orders, subcontractor substitutions and related contract adjustments for previously approved Measure G Phase 1 projects, including newly added Phase 1e projects.

Facilities staff told the board the delegation is intended to prevent construction delays when projects are already under contract. A facilities representative explained the change is limited to projects in the approved bond scope and said Phase 1e work (roofing and a storage tank) is capped at $20,000,000. Opponents warned the change could reduce board oversight. "If you grant that authority... you will delay projects," a facilities spokesperson said, arguing staff need discretion to keep work on schedule. Board members who opposed the measure repeatedly stressed the board s the public oversight body should retain final decision authority for bond expenditures.

Trustees raised questions about accountability and public trust if staff exercised delegated authority without timely public notice. In response, staff and the superintendent said all expenditures will be ratified and disclosed to the board after the fact and that the authority applies only to work on already approved bond projects. The resolution passed on roll call with the votes recorded as: Miss Frick — No; Miss Amezka — Yes; Rebecca Langenwalter — Yes; Mister Rios — No; Doctor Vidari — Yes; Doctor Contio — No; Doctor Brasov — Yes. The motion carried 4–3.