Contact: Danielle Tenner, Chief of Staff
Email: danielle.tenner@lausd.net
For Immediate Release
Phone: (310) 869-3823
L.A. Unified Board Approves Board Member Nick Melvoin’s Resolution to Improve Systems for Family and Community Use of Facilities
LOS ANGELES, CA — November 18, 2025 — The Board of Education unanimously passed Board Member Nick Melvoin’s resolution to create a more transparent, user-friendly, equitable system for reserving District space. The resolution, co-sponsored by Board President Scott Shmerelson, and Board Members Sherlett Hendy Newbill, Kelly Gonez, Rocio Rivas, and Tanya Ortiz Franklin, calls for the development of a plan to update and simplify the District's public facing website to make facility options and pricing structures more responsive to community needs, and to ensure that the District is a good steward of public land for the public good.
“Our community deserves a streamlined, equitable, and user-friendly experience—one that reflects the full spirit of the Civic Center Act and ensures public access to our gyms, fields, classrooms, and cultural spaces. Small fixes are no longer enough. It’s time for a full system overhaul that allows people to search and book facilities online, pay electronically, upload insurance documents, and understand costs clearly,” said Melvoin. “Improving this system isn’t just good customer service—it will help the District process applications more efficiently and generate much-needed revenue. Our goal is simple: make it easier for our community to use school spaces that belong to them.”
“Our schools have long been the hub of our communities, and we remain committed to providing space for programs that serve children, families, and neighbors,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “By refining our policies, prioritizing organizations that support underserved youth, and ensuring continued compliance with the appropriate requirements, we are strengthening our systems to better align with community needs.”
"The Los Angeles Unified facilities should always be open and welcoming spaces for the community at large," said Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. "When we increase accessibility to our spaces for public use, we not only demonstrate our district at work, but we also establish trust. I want members of the community to make LAUSD their first choice when hosting an event and make it easier for groups to use our facilities and athletic fields."
“Our schools are central to our communities, and this resolution helps us open our schools more fully to the communities they serve,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill. “By modernizing systems and updating our policies, we can expand access, improve transparency, and generate revenue that supports students.”
“This resolution is equity-driven and forward-looking, with the potential to expand access to our public spaces and strengthen the connections that hold our communities together,” said Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas. “As we modernize, we must do so responsibly to ensure our schools remain vibrant, welcoming centers of community life.”
“Our facilities are funded by taxpayers, yet they remain underutilized as community assets” said Board Member Karla Griego. Modernizing and upgrading our systems will make facility-use processes more efficient and far more accessible, ensuring our partners and communities can fully benefit from the spaces they help support.”
“Our school campuses are community resources, and I’m glad our Board is taking steps to ensure that our school district is a good partner and provides access to organizations and programs that benefit our students, families, and broader community,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez.
"With so many buildings across Los Angeles, LA Unified has a unique ability to serve communities even beyond the school day," Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. "I hope the implementation of this resolution means that partners are treated with the kindest and most efficient customer service, our families truly see their schools as hubs of the neighborhood, and our district benefits from desperately needed revenue."
###
For press inquiries, please call Danielle Tenner at 310-869-3823 or email at danielle.tenner@lausd.net.
