Lynwood Unified District chief of security in the running for safety honor

LYNWOOD, CA—Lynwood

Unified School

District Chief of Security Paul Garcia has been named a K-12 Campus Safety Director of the Year finalist by the Campus Safety Magazine for his efforts to foster safe school communities for students, families and staff.

Garcia - who was first hired as a substitute security officer 20 years ago - has risen through the ranks and is now one of seven nominees in the nation to be selected for the honor.

“Working with youths has created my passion n LUSD, see page 2

The event included a YouTube screening of the film “A New Green Book,” an engaging travel series paying tribute to the classic Green Book, which was once a guidebook for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era, offering information on safe places for food and lodging. “A New Green Book” highlights and honors Black culture throughout the United States and the City of Compton is one of the stops included.

“We were extremely excited to feature the City of Compton in “A New Green Book.” This city really has something for everyone. From eating delicious vegan food from Planet Health to seeing the amazing art installations at Gallery 90220, this is truly a city that celebrates Black culture and Black excellence, “said Mary Jo Madda, senior program manager, Education for Social Impact at Google.

The event also included a special presentation to honor former Compton Fire Chief Monroe Smith for his contributions to the Compton community as the first Black man to head a fire department in California. Compton-born Oscar winners Travon Free and Samir Hernandez were in attendance and were recognized for their film “Two Distant Strangers.” Free made history with his Oscar win as the first African American filmmaker to n Compton see page 5

LUSD

Continued from page 1 to come to work every day, knowing that I can help someone start on the right path,” said Garcia, a former at-promise youth who was inspired by mentors to pursue a career in public service.

“The most rewarding thing for me is seeing our students begin their early childhood education with our district and one day see them walking across the stage to accept their high school diploma,” he added.

Under Garcia’s leadership, the district has upgraded campus video surveillance and access control systems to ensure continued safety across Lynwood Unified schools.

The district’s visitor management system, for instance, quickly screens visitors and provides them with a temporary pass, while an intercom access control system requires visitors to check in at the front entrance and identify themselves via a camera and microphone.

Garcia has also implemented an anonymous reporting tool, resulting in a 5% reduction in student suspensions and 1,500 students being connected to mental health services.

“Chief Garcia has been instrumental in ensuring our students and staff feel safe when they arrive to school, ready to learn and work in a safe and nurturing environment,” Superintendent Dr. Gudiel Crosthwaite said. “We are so proud of Chief Garcia and the entire campus safety team for their support and dedication to keeping our school community safe.”

The winner will be announced at the Campus Safety Conference West in July 2023.