Compton Unified School District leaders have expressed bewilderment following a recommendation from Representative Maxine Waters advising voters to reject Measure CPT, a $360 million school bond measure, despite significant improvements in student performance and a critical need to replace aging school facilities.
The district, recognized as a state and national leader in student achievement gains, is seeking to fund the modernization of its campuses, including the badly outdated Dominguez High School, through Measure CPT. School Board President Micah Ali stated that Representative Waters' opposition, disseminated through her campaign's sample ballot mailer, carries considerable weight and could jeopardize the bond's passage, thereby hindering the district's ability to continue its progress.
Ali's surprise is compounded by the fact that Representative Waters recently attended a ceremony celebrating the new Compton High School campus, a project supported by significant donations from prominent alumni. Meanwhile, students at Dominguez High School, which is over 70 years old, are contending with dilapidated conditions, including a cafeteria that has been an outdoor plaza for over three years following a fire. Electrical and plumbing systems are outdated, and air conditioning in the gymnasium has been non-operational for years.
The author's attempts to solicit a reason for Representative Waters' opposition from her office were met with a statement citing U.S. House Ethics rules, preventing a response. This lack of transparency has left district officials baffled, questioning why a representative would oppose infrastructure improvements for a community where students are approximately 84% Latino and 14% Black. While some opposition to Measure CPT exists due to the estimated $60 per $100,000 in assessed property value it would add to annual tax bills, concerns about safety and leadership have not been publicly linked to Waters' stance.
Further complicating the matter are the disclosures within the slate mailer itself, which state that endorsements are "paid for and authorized by each candidate and ballot measure," yet do not reveal the source or amount of payment. Election law experts suggest this practice can be misleading and contributes to a broader issue of undisclosed funding in elections. Despite the congressional representative's recommendation, some local figures, including school board candidate Tana McCoy, intend to vote in favor of Measure CPT, emphasizing the importance of positive school environments for student well-being and mental health.
Students like Zaiden Ross at Dominguez High have highlighted severe infrastructure issues, including non-working sinks and water quality concerns, while also showcasing the academic achievements of the robotics program, which consistently wins awards despite outdated equipment. Educators believe that with proper resources, students could reach even greater heights. The article concludes by suggesting Representative Waters consider a visit to Dominguez High to witness firsthand the conditions and the potential that Measure CPT could unlock.
