Cypress School District Modernization Update

By Beverly M. Hempstead, Superintendent
March 2012

Modernization, made possible with the passage of Measure M, continues on track. Vessels was the first school modernized, with the beautifully renovated school site opening for the 2010/11 school year. King School held its grand reopening on October 14, 2011, showcasing a beautiful state-of-the art computer lab and SMARTBoards in every classroom. Morris School students continue to meet at Dickerson, and will occupy their modernized school to begin the 2012/13 school year.

Due to the state's current financial condition and depressed property values, local bond, and state matching funds are available slower than was originally hoped. As a result, at the November 2011 Board meeting, the Board took action to slow the program, modernizing one school a year rather than two next year. Now, Luther will be done in 2012/13 and Arnold in 2013/14, dropping Landell to 2014/15. This year, the Board has authorized use of redevelopment funds saved for several years, to keep the modernization program underway without use of State, or Measure M funds. In order to fund modernization for future years, local assessed values need to grow; and we need a successful statewide bond measure. Otherwise, it may be necessary to slow the program schedule once more.

Our Citizens' Oversight Committee continues to meet. At the February 29, 2012 meeting, members were provided with information regarding the Morris project and given an update regarding Measure M facilities plans, budget, and expenditures. In addition, the audit for 2010/11 was approved with no out of compliance findings. The Annual Report for 2011 was also approved and will be posted on the District's website at www.cypsd.k12.ca.us. Anyone without access to the Internet can request a hard copy at the District office. Meetings of the Citizens' Oversight Committee are open to the public. The next meeting will be scheduled in July and specific information will be posted on the website.

The Cypress School District is appreciative of the community support we have received, and we will continue to provide updates about the progress of our school modernization projects. We are looking forward to the upcoming modernization and expansion of Luther School, which will begin fall 2012. Luther students will be located at their interim site for 2012/13, on the closed Swain School campus.

As a reminder, the updated remaining school modernization schedule is below:

2011/12 school year Morris modernization
2012/13 school year Luther modernization
2013/14 school year Arnold modernization
2014/15 school year Landell modernization

Once again, thank you for your support of Measure M!