Lynwood Unified Superintendent: "The Bittersweet Taste of Retirement"

The following is an official message from the Lynwood Unified School District's Superintendent, Edward Velasquez:

Dear Lynwood Unified Community,
 
Next month, we celebrate the achievements of our high school seniors, who have worked hard to complete their studies and go off to continue their education in college or attain exciting careers.  As educators, it is a great honor to witness our students take that wonderful step into adulthood.
 
However, next month will be a bitter-sweet time for me as I plan to retire from my position as superintendent on June 30. It has been an honor and a truly rewarding experience to serve the children of this community. As a team, we have reached new heights in terms of our improved test scores, graduation rates and sound financial position.  I am proud to have worked with such a talented and dedicated group of individuals who all have one united mission – to educate the students of our great community.
 
I know all of the great news coming from Lynwood Unified will only continue with the Board of Education’s wise decision to have Deputy Paul Gothold take the reigns as my successor.  Although I may be leaving my position as Superintendent, I will be nearby to assist with the transition and it is my plan to continue serving the youths of this and other communities throughout Los Angeles County through my volunteer work with several nonprofit organizations and through my work as a Los Angeles County senior probation officer.
 
It is a time of new beginnings throughout Lynwood Unified. Thanks to the community’s support of LUSD’s $93 million Measure K, improvements to our facilities will be seen by students, staff and the community of all of our schools. Most recently, Lynwood Unified marked the start of the first Measure K construction projects by hosting groundbreaking ceremonies at Washington and Lincoln elementary schools, where dozens of portable classrooms will be demolished and replaced with new state-of-the-art classroom buildings.
 
But I must emphasize, without the support of our parents, none of this would be possible. They make a tremendous difference in the lives of their children every single day. This is one reason that our administration and Board of Education found it paramount to recognize those who are providing that support by volunteering in our classrooms and campuses on a daily basis. At a special awards ceremony and reception this month, we recognized more than 40 parents who are doing just that by providing extra help for teachers, supervising students during lunch and recess, performing tasks in our school offices and so much more.
 
I look forward to celebrating with our students, parents, staff and community as our students graduate and reach important milestones in their education next month. It has truly been a pleasure to work in a District that always puts students first and is constantly working to improve the educational opportunities for Lynwood students.

Sincerely,

Edward Velasquez