By Emilie St. John
Contributing Writer
CARSON — City officials have soundly rejected a proposed ballot measure to study forming its own school district.
City Councilman Jawane Hilton requested an analysis be performed to study the feasibility of removing the city’s schools from the Los Angeles Unified School District, citing its financial woes as a point of concern.
Hilton called his July 21 comments a way to begin a proactive conversation about the future of public education in Carson, particularly in light of the serious financial challenges facing the LAUSD.
“I believe it is better for the city to examine potential scenarios and understand our options now, rather than wait until a crisis occurs and be forced to respond without adequate information or preparation,” Hilton said when reached for comment.
The proposed ballot measure would have gone before Carson voters on the Nov. 3 ballot asking if they would approve either the formation of or reorganization of the city’s schools.
The City Council voted 4-1 against placing the proposed ballot measure before voters during the Aug. 4 council meeting.
The impetus to Hilton’s proposal stemmed from LAUSD’s worsening fiscal condition due to a projected $231 million cash shortfall in 2027, according to EdSource
Questions linger as to whether LAUSD could wind up under state receivership similar to what happened to the Inglewood Unified School District in 2012.
“We need to understand what financial, educational and operational consequences a potential receivership could have for Carson residents, taxpayers, students and families,” Hilton said.
“For that reason, we have asked city staff to conduct an assessment and gather additional information. Before any position can be taken, the city needs a clear understanding of the potential impacts and what options may be available to protect Carson students and taxpayers,” he added.
Hilton also floated the idea of moving its schools from the LAUSD to the Compton Unified School District.
“My preferred option is to determine whether Carson could establish its own independent school district,” Hilton said. “If an independent district is not financially or operationally sustainable, then the city should understand what other partnerships or alternatives may exist.”
The Compton Unified School District is being lauded for its “Compton Turnaround” which has resulted in voters approving two multi-million dollar school bonds for campus upgrades and its bond ratings being upgraded.
“I mentioned Compton Unified because a significant portion of North Carson has historically been connected to the Compton Unified School District through the way Carson was incorporated more than 55 years ago,” Hiltion said. “As a result, many North Carson property owners already pay Compton Unified School District taxes, including bond assessments, regardless of whether their children attend schools within the district.”
Compton school board president Micah Ali noted that cities separating from its current school district is not an anomaly as Malibu city leaders voted to approve a plan to split from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District last year.
“A school district reorganization of this magnitude is no small feat, let alone seceding from its current district,” Ali said. “I was deeply honored to learn that Councilman Hilton requested an analysis into what it would take for the city to join the Compton Unified School District.”
Carson resident Brent Page supports the idea of moving the city’s schools out of the LAUSD.
“As a city commissioner, homeowner, and LAUSD parent, I pay too much in property taxes to accept a system where children in neighborhoods with million-dollar homes still must commute 45 minutes or more to attend school,” Page said. “Families deserve high-quality neighborhood schools that reflect the investment we make in our communities. With LAUSD facing significant financial challenges, now is the time to have an honest conversation about whether the current system provides educational outcomes, fiscal accountability and local responsiveness our students deserve.”
“This isn’t about politics, it’s about putting students first, reducing unnecessary commutes, strengthening neighborhood schools and ensuring taxpayers receive the value they expect from one of the nation’s largest public-school systems,” he added. “Every child should have access to an excellent public education close to home, and every taxpayer deserves confidence that their investment is benefiting the community they call home.”
While Hilton’s City Council colleagues grappled over test scores, graduation rates and four-year college acceptance rates of only those who attend schools in Carson, compared to those in the Compton Unified School District in the present day, the proposed measure was rejected and will not go before voters this fall.
“My desire has always been to make sure our community is informed and engaged,” Hilton said. “I’m also encouraged that important discussions are now taking place with Carson residents paying attention, asking questions and watching closely. s
“Transparency and accountability matter when it comes to the education and future of our children and our community deserves to be informed, heard and respected.”
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
