Construction projects funded through Measure M are bringing upgrades to schools across the Lompoc Unified School District, including safety improvements, asbestos removal and campus modernization.
Measure M is a $160 million school facilities bond approved by voters in November 2024. The five-year plan funds a range of projects throughout the district, including the removal of asbestos and lead, as well as other campus upgrades.
The bond will be issued in five series over the next decade:
- Series A: $30 million, issued in 2025
- Series B: $30 million, planned for 2028
- Series C: $30 million, planned for 2031
- Series D: $30 million, planned for 2034
- Series E: $40 million, planned for 2037
At Clarence Ruth Elementary School, Principal Lynette Martin said much of the school’s infrastructure had remained unchanged for decades.
“Much of the construction at our school is original, so it’s been, you know, more than 20, 40 years,” Martin said.
Over the summer, crews completed roof work, installed new windows and added surveillance cameras at the elementary school.
Martin said the new cameras will provide an additional layer of safety.
“Surveillance cameras allow us an opportunity to hold students accountable, monitor any kinds of safety concerns that we might have to support our students,” Martin said.
At Lompoc High School and Cabrillo High School, crews also completed asbestos abatement work.
“All of the asbestos tile flooring was torn out or was encapsulated,” said Jon Bruenning, Lompoc Unified’s bond project manager.
While the projects are intended to improve school facilities, some Lompoc residents said they remain concerned about the cost.
“There are some upgrades that need to be done, most definitely, but I am not sure it’s worth the property tax,” said Lompoc resident Jimmy Poggione.
Other residents said they see the bond as an investment in the community’s students and future.
“A lot of families or, you know, residents here may have kids, but they’re still investing in our kids,” said Lompoc resident and parent Tammy Clark. “I hope they always realize that this money is going toward the investment, not just for them, but for the future and future culture of Lompoc.”
Next summer, planned projects include replacing windows at the district’s high schools and adding portable restrooms at three elementary schools.
Bruenning said the district has spent about $12 million on Measure M projects so far.
The bond totals $160 million, with the remaining funding scheduled to be issued in installments through 2037. The district expects the modernization work to take at least 10 years to complete.
