Lynwood Unified School District leaders, students, staff and supporters came together for the 7th Annual State of the District to celebrate a year of progress, academic excellence and renewed commitment to building a long-lasting legacy that will echo for generations to come.
Hosted by the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation, the October 4 event kicked off with a lively performance from Firebaugh High School’s cheer squad, a full breakfast prepared by Lynwood High School culinary students, and performances by elementary school students in the ballet folklorico afterschool program and Lynwood High senior Samantha Barrios.
Speakers at the event, including Board President Maria G. Lopez and Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D., reflected on not just a year of progress, but on decades of efforts to tackle educational, racial and economic disparities – highlighting such landmark cases as Brown v. Board of Education and Mendez v. Westminster that have shaped the past 70 years.
“As a District, we are deeply committed to being warriors of justice by inspiring, transforming and investing in our youth and building a powerful legacy of which we can all be proud,” Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D. said. “Our students deserve the best educational opportunities, and it is our responsibility to provide them with a foundation that empowers them to excel today and lead tomorrow.”
The District’s new Strategic Plan lies at the heart of its mission to provide a world-class education for all students, serving as a comprehensive roadmap to foster a culture of excellence, equity and empowerment. Guided by its four tenets – Unlocking Brilliance, Cultivating Talent, Uplifting Community and Modeling Excellence – the plan aims to elevate the learning environment, create equitable opportunities for every student and nurture a supportive, inclusive culture across all school sites.
Recent achievements include rising graduation rates, PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) Awards for all 17 school campuses and the transformation into a Community Schools District, underscoring the successful implementation of systems that promote positive behavior and enhance student well-being. The District also celebrated its multiple California Model Schools and the demolition of the Lynwood High School Imperial Campus, which marks the beginning of a comprehensive classroom and facilities improvement initiative.
The event also highlighted upcoming opportunities for supporting Lynwood youth, including Measure U and Proposition 2, which could potentially generate up to $200 million for improving District facilities and programs if approved by voters on Nov. 5. The Foundation – which awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to Class of 2024 graduates and recently opened the Lynwood Alumni Center – is also launching its annual fall campaign, Lynwood Gives, which will support college scholarships, teacher grants, STEM programs and assistance for the Lynwood Unified Food Pantry.
In an uplifting video, students shared their dreams for the future, inspiring those in attendance. Several students then joined Crosthwaite at the podium to personally thank the community for its continued support of Lynwood youth, bringing a powerful and heartfelt conclusion to the morning.
“We are committed to creating opportunities that allow every student to reach their full potential and every staff member to be a catalyst for positive change,” Crosthwaite said. “This is a testament to what’s possible when adults come together and do what’s best for kids.”
The Lynwood Gives campaign runs from Oct. 25 to Nov. 1. Consider investing in the future of Lynwood scholars by donating to the Foundation – 100% of the proceeds will go toward enhancing educational opportunities. For more information, visit www.lynwoodedfoundation.org.