Lompoc Unified superintendent: bond funds, grants and an AB 2295 pilot could support workforce housing

Dr. Clara Finer, superintendent of Lompoc Unified, told the State of the City audience the district has used its 2024 bond to make facility improvements and is exploring workforce housing options on district property under Assembly Bill 2295.

Finer said the district has identified roughly $500 million in facility needs but has begun implementing projects with bond proceeds, including about $10 million in roofing work completed last summer and asbestos encapsulation and flooring upgrades. "We have over $500 million of needs," she said, and credited the community for supporting the bond.

To address staffing challenges tied to housing supply, Finer said the district has been exploring the possibility of building housing on school property for two years and has partnered with Space Valley Housing Partners to consider workforce housing for employees. She specifically cited Assembly Bill 2295 as enabling greater flexibility for school‑site housing projects.

Finer also highlighted academic progress: nine schools recorded double-digit gains in either ELA or math, and several grants, including a community schools grant, have supported expanded services for students and families.

The district did not present a timeline or financing plan for any housing development at the event; Finer said the exploration is ongoing and partnership steps remain subject to further study and design.