Compton Unified Board of Trustees Advances Plan to Build New Jefferson Elementary School
Media Release
District to pursue innovative delivery model to design, construct, and sustain a modern campus for future generations of scholars
The Compton Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees has taken a major step toward delivering a new Jefferson Elementary School, approving a resolution to initiate the development of an innovative plan for the school’s design, construction, and long-term operation.
“More than 30 years ago, this district made a promise to rebuild Jefferson Elementary,” said Board President Micah Ali. “Today, we are taking decisive action to fulfill that commitment—ensuring our scholars have a modern learning environment that matches their excellence.”
Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley added: “Jefferson Elementary is not only one of the top-performing schools in our district, but a clear example of what excellence looks like when a school community is aligned around high expectations. With distinctions including National Blue Ribbon, California Distinguished School, and Apple Distinguished School—and producing our current Teacher of the Year—Jefferson has set a high bar. A new campus is both a recognition of that success and an investment in what these students will continue to achieve.”
Through Resolution No. 25/26-108, approved at the May 12 CUSD Board Meeting, the Board authorized district staff to begin soliciting proposals from qualified firms to design, build, operate, and maintain a new, state-of-the-art Jefferson Elementary School. This approach—commonly referred to as a public-private partnership (PPP) or design-build-operate-maintain (DBOM) model—represents a forward-thinking strategy to deliver a high-quality campus while ensuring long-term performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
Across the Board, there was a shared emphasis on turning long-standing commitments into tangible results. As Vice President Michael Hooper put it, “Jefferson Elementary deserves more than promises—it deserves action, and we are committed to delivering exactly that. We’re here to ensure Jefferson scholars finally get the school they deserve, with a learning environment that supports their overall well-being so they can thrive in and beyond the classroom.”
Board members highlighted the importance of designing a campus that supports the whole child. For Trustee Satra Zurita, the project is about more than facilities: “Jefferson Elementary is more than a school—it is a daily experience that should nurture, inspire, and support every student. This new campus will be intentionally designed to reflect the full needs of the whole child.”
The investment also carries deep meaning for the surrounding community. Reflecting on Jefferson’s role in the neighborhood, Trustee Alma Taylor-Pleasant shared, “Jefferson Elementary sits at the heart of this community. This investment honors that legacy while building something our neighborhood can be proud of for generations.”
Long-term stewardship remains central to the Board’s approach. Emphasizing fiscal responsibility and sustainability, Trustee Sandra Moss pointed to the importance of building with the future in mind: “We have a responsibility to build not just for today, but for decades to come—ensuring this campus remains well-maintained, sustainable, and accountable to our community.”
While the project is rooted in legacy, it is equally focused on innovation and what comes next. Drawing on her experience as an educator, Trustee Dr. Ayanna Davis underscored the transformative potential of a modern campus: “Jefferson Elementary represents an opportunity to reimagine learning environments in a way that centers equity and excellence. A modern campus transforms teaching and learning, unlocking new possibilities for students and staff every day.”
That focus on opportunity is paired with a recognition of what Jefferson students have already accomplished. “Jefferson Elementary scholars are already showing what excellence looks like, even in less-than-ideal conditions,” noted Trustee Denzell Perry,
“A new campus will remove barriers and expand access to opportunity at the highest level.”
The new Jefferson Elementary School is envisioned as a modern, high-performing educational environment that supports student achievement through safe, well-maintained facilities, advanced technology, and flexible learning spaces. The model also emphasizes long-term accountability, ensuring the campus remains in optimal condition for decades.
Compton Unified will conduct a thorough and transparent process to evaluate proposals, with an emphasis on safety, innovation, fiscal responsibility, and alignment with the needs of the Jefferson community. Students, families, staff, and community stakeholders will be engaged throughout the process to help shape the vision for the new campus.
The approval of this resolution builds on Compton Unified’s continued investment in modernizing school facilities across the district, including the recent completion of the new Compton High School campus and the groundbreaking of the new Centennial High School.
Jefferson Elementary has earned numerous accolades, including National Blue Ribbon School, California Distinguished School, Apple Distinguished School, U.S. News Best Elementary School (2025), ERP Honor Roll (2025), and multiple state and county recognitions for academic excellence.