Compton Unified School District

from the field

by John Stouffer

Pioneering transformation and educational excellence

n June 6, the Compton Unified School District (CUSD) celebrated a significant milestone at the Long Beach Terrace Theater, when 915 graduating seniors from its four high schools proudly received their diplomas.

graduates throwing their caps in the air

With more than 90 percent of the scholars heading to college this fall, the event symbolized the district’s remarkable transformation led by the board of trustees’ relentless efforts to uplift the local community and close the opportunity gap.

Steadfast leadership and visionary change

CUSD operates 36 schools and educates nearly 20,000 scholars. The board of trustees, led by Board President Micah Ali, who has served for 17 years, and Vice President Satra Zurita, with 19 years of service, has been at the forefront of pioneering changes within CUSD. Along with board members Sandra Moss, Alma Taylor-Pleasant, Ayanna Davis, Denzell Perry and Michael Hooper, their strategic vision and unwavering commitment to focus on students’ needs have guided the district through this period of transformation, ensuring our scholars have the best resources and opportunities to prepare them for the future.

Twelve years ago, when the board hired Superintendent Darin Brawley, Compton Unified faced significant challenges, with dismal test scores, graduation rates around 50 percent and the district nearing bankruptcy.

Today, thanks to the board’s strategic leadership, Superintendent Brawley’s management, and a relentless staff of administrators and teachers embracing change and pushing pupils to strive for college and career opportunities, test scores have risen dramatically and Compton Unified outperforms neighboring districts academically.

Financial stability and strategic investments

Under the board’s prudent financial management, CUSD has achieved remarkable fiscal stability. In February 2024, S&P Global raised the district’s credit rating to A+, reflecting sound financial practices and robust fiscal strategy. This financial health has enabled significant investments in infrastructure, such as the $230-million state-of-the-art Compton High School set to open in 2025, and a new Centennial High School by 2030, funded by Bond Measure AAA, approved by a 71 percent majority of voters in November 2022.

Celebrating academic excellence

CUSD’s academic achievements are extraordinary. Five schools received the 2024 California Distinguished Schools Award. In addition, Longfellow Elementary was named a California Green Ribbon School, and the district won the Power of Hope Award for its counseling programs. Dominguez and Compton Early College High Schools were included on the AP Honor Roll, while Centennial and Dominguez high schools were recognized for their exemplary dual enrollment programs.

Compton Early College High School set the high standard for the district, ranking 14th in Los Angeles, 36th in California and 256th nationally by U.S. News & World Report, with a 100 percent graduation and college acceptance rate. Inspired by this success, the three other Compton Unified high schools now offer Early College satellite programs, encouraging students to take college courses throughout high school.

Innovation in education

The board has championed innovation as a cornerstone of CUSD’s educational strategy, with a focus on STEM teaching and many new programs and events to highlight these skills. Compton Unified held its fifth annual STEAMFest at the end of May and showcased innovative projects from nearly 1,000 students, highlighting a commitment to fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and innovation. CUSD also won a Golden Bell Award for its pioneering Esports program, hosted Esports tournaments and opened four new Esports Labs.

Other district initiatives include an Engineers Expo, Robotics Festival and drone competitions attended by hundreds of students, all designed to enhance STEM education in engaging ways.

Launching innovative learning models

To better prepare students for the 21st-century workforce, CUSD embraced new programs and learning models. In partnership with Junior Achievement of Southern California, the 3DE learning model at Dominguez High School provides real-world learning experiences and direct interaction with executives at various corporations.

Additionally, with support of educational nonprofit NAF and RTX, formerly Raytheon Technologies Corporation, the district opened NAF Academies of Engineering in three of its high schools, further showcasing the commitment to science and tech training within the classroom.

Strong community and industry partnerships

Compton Unified’s success is bolstered by strong partnerships with global corporations and industry leaders such as Apple, Google, Verizon, Intuit, AT&T and SpaceX, offering students support as well as firsthand insights into various career paths. These collaborations are vital in preparing students for future careers and ensuring they have access to the resources needed to succeed.

In addition, CUSD enjoys support from local professional sports teams such as the Los Angeles Rams, Angel City FC, Los Angeles Dodgers and LA Galaxy. They have provided students with unique opportunities to engage with professional athletes, learn valuable life skills and attend games.

Embracing creative and artistic endeavors

In addition to its strong emphasis on STEM, CUSD nurtures creativity and artistic expression. Scholars have participated in the Grammy Museum Songwriting Workshop, attended Billboard’s Women in Music 2024, and a group of students from McKinley Elementary School performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., showcasing the district’s commitment to providing diverse educational experiences.

Engagement with celebrities and entertainers

The city of Compton has a rich history of artistic and musical excellence. CUSD students have been inspired by visits from celebrities and entertainers such as Ed Sheeran, Kalan. FrFr, Randy Jackson and Danny Trejo. These interactions have provided students with unique perspectives on life, careers and the secrets to success, enriching their educational experience and motivating them to pursue their dreams.

In addition, Dr. Dre (Andre Young) donated $10 million for the new Compton High School performing arts center, which will open next year.

Building for the future

The transformation of CUSD is a testament to the power of stable leadership, strategic vision and an unwavering commitment to student success. Under the leadership of the board of trustees, Superintendent Brawley and the executive management team, CUSD has achieved remarkable academic and financial success. As the district looks to the future, it is well-positioned to continue thriving as a model of excellence in education, ensuring outstanding opportunities for all its students.

John Stouffer is the director of Communications at Compton USD. He has more than 30 years of experience working in communications, public relations, marketing and content production in television, social media and internet, and as a journalist, reporter and editor for several magazines and websites.

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