Lynwood Unified’s newly reorganized Board of Education in 2015 will continue its work to narrow the District’s achievement gap and promote success in college and career for all students.

In December, the Board appointed Maria G. Lopez as President, Gary Hardie, Jr. as Vice President and Briseida Gonzalez as Clerk.

“We are experiencing a very exciting time here in Lynwood Unified,” Lopez said. “I am eager to continue the work we are doing to further improve the opportunities available to students to ensure they are competitive both for college admissions and in today’s job market.”

The District also celebrated Lynwood Unified’s accomplishments under the leadership of Gonzalez, who served as Board President for in 2014.

“It has truly been an honor to serve our students, staff, parents and community in this capacity over the last year,” Gonzalez said. “I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to ensure that Lynwood Unified remains on this continuum of success.”

This year, Lynwood Unified experienced much success, including the reinstatement of many positions that were eliminated due to layoffs, the first increase in enrollment since 2002, the completion of new classroom facility projects at Washington and Lincoln elementary schools, an average 16 percent increase in graduation rates at the District’s comprehensive high schools, and the expansion of career technical education programs at Lynwood Unified’s middle schools.

In December, the District also celebrated its receipt of the prestigious Golden Bell Award for its work to narrow the achievement gap for all students, regardless of the barriers they may face.

Superintendent Paul Gothold said he looks forward to another successful year in 2015.

“We have so much to be proud of this year,” Gothold said. “Through collaboration and a shared commitment to the best interests of our students, we have reached many of our goals. I know we have another bright year ahead of us.”