New Lynwood superintendent has mountains to climb
Amber Wright | 7-19-2010 | Comments |
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LYNWOOD -- Financial troubles top the pile of growing concerns at the Lynwood Unified School District. Singled out as having the worst fiscal status in the county in a report released in June, Lynwood added financial instability to a host of problems including allegations of sexual abuse and corruption from past and present senior administrators.The news of the district’s fiscal woes hit just days before the official start date of new superintendent, Edward Velasquez. Velasquez took up office July 1 at the Lynwood Unified School District headquarters, which, previous to the current crisis, were raided in an investigation involving misappropriated funds last March.
“I knew coming in [the school district] had some major obstacles,” Velasquez said.
Lynwood was the only Los Angeles school to feature in the state’s Second Interim Status Report with a "negative certification." The report issued by the California Department of Education listed 14 schools that are projected to be unable to meet financial obligations for the current or the previous fiscal year. A total of 30 schools in Los Angeles County were classified as possibilities for financial failure in the "qualified certification" category.
Despite claims the district is inching closer to insolvency, Velasquez said he does not feel Lynwood is in any more serious trouble than other Los Angeles County school districts.
“I hope the public understands that the whole state is in trouble," he commented. Velasquez added that he believes Lynwood will be redeemed from the negative certification next year.
“The final 2010-11 budget is to be submitted June 30, [2011]," said Velasquez. "So by this time, they will see a positive certification."
To slash California’s budget deficit, $17 billion in education spending was cut from state schools in the past two years. California’s educational spending ranks 44th in the nation, and has reached a 40-year all time low. With Lynwood serving a student population composed of 98 percent low-income students, the national cash problem creates many challenges for the district. Layoffs and payroll reductions have been one of many ways Lynwood has grappled with the budget cuts. This is not the first time Velasquez has faced a challenging district. Montebello, the district Velasquez resided over for 30 years, recently announced 113 layoffs for district employees owing to a widening budget deficit.
“I’m a risk taker,” said Velasquez. “Creativity and thinking out the box is what I’m going to have to do to straighten out the financial part of it.”
With a budget of $148 million, Lynwood is one of the larger school districts in the county despite continued declining enrollment since 2004. The June 29 report from the California Department of Education has raised concerns about the welfare of almost 12,000 students should the district go bankrupt.
“The community will find that, one: the district will not go bankrupt,” said Velasquez, “That’s the bottom line. And, two: they’ll find that the standards that we put forth for our students will continue."
Some community members, however, have been less than satisfied with the district's performance. Prior to the installment of the new superintendent, residents voiced concerns about wasteful spending, corruption and the "baggage" Velasquez was bringing with him to Lynwood. Coming in, Velasquez carries a sexual assault charge resulting in a lawsuit that was filed against him at Montebello. “Just look at my record,” Velasquez said in response. “Allegations are allegations. Especially when you are doing the right thing.”
Due to pending litigation, Velasquez did not expound further.
The new superintendent says his top priorities for the district include communication and transparency, balancing the budget, raising the bar of academic achievement, and ensuring that facilities are conducive to a productive learning environment.
Velasquez chose not to reveal additional details of his plans due to future negotiations with the unions.
Despite declining enrollment at Lynwood schools and skepticism from the community, Velasquez is optimistic about the future of Lynwood's students.
"I believe in every one of these kids," said Velasquez, adding his advice for success: "Don't allow anyone or anything to stop you from your dreams. Don't let anybody get in your way."
Tags: california education edward velasquez lynwood lynwood unified school district