Inglewood voters will consider a $396 million bond measure in November that would fund modernization of school facilities across the district. The proposal, known as Measure MM, would impose an additional property tax of $60 per $100,000 of assessed value and requires 55 percent approval to pass.
The Inglewood Teachers Association has raised objections to the measure, pointing to the $330 million already authorized through two previous bonds approved in 2012 and 2020. Association president John Hughes stated that the district must demonstrate accountability for those funds before seeking additional resources.
In correspondence with county administrator James Morris, Hughes emphasized the need for a complete review of prior expenditures, along with strategies to counter declining enrollment and ongoing oversight concerns. He noted that bond proceeds cannot cover teacher salaries or daily operating costs.
Morris defended the measure, highlighting that updated campuses support improved teaching and learning. He pointed to the ongoing construction of a new Inglewood High School as an example of the facilities students require for long-term success as the district prepares to exit state receivership after 14 years.
School board candidate Brandon Myers, the incumbent seeking reelection in Trustee Area 3, declined to support the new bond. He cited insufficient accountability and construction management experience from earlier measures, which he said have resulted in added costs for local taxpayers.
Hughes further observed that Inglewood teachers receive the lowest pay in the region and lack a clear plan for compensation increases. He argued that any credible plan must balance infrastructure needs with support for the workforce responsible for instruction.
This report is based on coverage by LAist: https://laist.com/news/education/inglewood-teachers-push-back-against-bond-measure