Age of LCUSD Schools

All LCUSD schools were built more than 50 years ago and were built for a different era of education when the demands of a 21st Century education in science, math, engineering and technology could not have been imagined. Many school facilities have deteriorating roofs, sewer, plumbing and heating, and ventilation systems, and do not meet our standards for providing a world-class education.

Planning for Upgraded Schools

In 2017, LCUSD partnered with architects and school facility construction experts to conduct a thorough assessment of every classroom, lab and school facility in the District to evaluate the condition and identify needed upgrades. This work resulted in LCUSD’s comprehensive Facility Master Plan that identifies over $250 million in needed repairs, upgrades and improvements to local schools, including:

• Repairing older classrooms and school facilities including deteriorating roofs, plumbing, sewer, heating, ventilation, and electrical systems
• Removing hazardous materials like asbestos and lead pipes
• Providing modern science labs, career technical facilities and equipment so students are prepared for college and in-demand careers and skilled trades 
• Upgrading schools so they meet current health codes, building safety codes, and provide proper access to students with disabilities
• Improving classrooms and facilities needed to support high-quality instruction in math, science, engineering and technology 
• Replacing aging portable classrooms with modern, permanent classrooms 
• Keeping classrooms technology and computer systems up-to-date 

The First Phase of Improvements: Measure LCF

In November 2017, 71% of voters in La Cañada Flintridge voted to approve Measure LCF, which provided $149 million in locally controlled bond funding to complete the first phase of upgrades to local schools. Improvements funded by Measure LCF include:

• Perimeter fencing at all elementary schools
• Upgraded heating and cooling systems at La Cañada High School
• Construction of a new swimming pool and the redesigned South Campus at La Cañada High School
• Development of the College and Career Center at La Cañada High School
• Construction of a new classroom building at Palm Crest Elementary School

Measure LCF Fiscal Accountability

The Measure LCF school facility improvement bond measure approved by local voters in 2017 required strict fiscal accountability protections, including an independent citizens’ oversight committee comprised of LCUSD community members and mandatory annual audits. Since 2017, the reports of LCUSD’s Citizens’ Oversight Committee and independent audits have consistently confirmed that funds have only been spent on voter approved projects and the work has been completed on time and on budget. Reports of the Citizens’ Oversight Committee can be reviewed here.

The Next Phase of Classroom and School Improvements

While some LCUSD schools have been upgraded, others have not. It was always known that Measure LCF funding would not be enough to address all of the upgrades identified in the 2017 Facilities Master Plan. To ensure all students attend class in safe and up-to-date classrooms, LCUSD is now making plans for the next phase of improvements to bring all schools to current health, safety and educational standards. 

Funding Remaining School Facility Upgrades

All funds from Measure LCF have been expended or committed and LCUSD is working to identify funding for the next phase of facility improvements to bring all schools up to a similar standard. Because the State of California does not provide dedicated funding for facility improvements, LCUSD must look to local funding sources like the Measure LCF school facilities improvement bond measure to continue the upgrade and repair of local schools. One option the LCUSD Board of Trustees is considering is placing a new school facilities improvement bond measure on the ballot in 2026 for local voters to consider. If approved by at least 55% of voters in La Cañada Flintridge, the measure would provide locally controlled funding to upgrade local schools that cannot be taken away by the State. The same strict fiscal accountability requirements that helped ensure Measure LCF funds were spent properly would be required in a new measure.