Lamont Elementary School District Celebrates 130 Years of Legacy and Progress

The Lamont Elementary School District (LESD) is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its 130th anniversary. Since its humble beginnings in the late 19th Century, the district has grown alongside the town of Lamont, transforming into a vital institution at the heart of its community. Current and former school officials, as well as community members gathered at Mountain View Middle School Tuesday morning to celebrate as LESD looks back on its storied past while keeping its eyes set on the future.

“Today, we celebrate our rich history and look forward to continuing the legacy of excellence that has shaped generations of students in Lamont,” LESD Superintendent Lori Gonzalez said.

A Historical Overview

In March 1894, long before the town of Lamont was established, the Mountain View School District was founded. The district’s first teacher, May Stork, taught a small group of 17 students. The surrounding area would later develop into Lamont in 1923, named after the Scottish clan of its founder, Arthur J. McFadden. Over the decades, the town and school district grew hand in hand, serving an agricultural community southeast of Bakersfield. By the late 1930s, Lamont saw a population surge with migrants from the Dust Bowl, and its education needs expanded as the town grew into a larger and more diverse community.

A video presented during the ceremony illustrated this journey, showcasing the district’s evolution alongside the town. The film highlighted early challenges such as dust storms, the need for fenced-in school grounds, and the resilience that defined Lamont. In 1960, the district officially adopted the name Lamont Elementary School District, reflecting the growing identity of the community.

Mountain View Middle School features historical Lamont and LESD memorabilia.

Today, LESD serves roughly 2,600 students from preschool through eighth grade across a 24-square-mile area with four schools: Lamont Elementary, Alicante Avenue School, Myrtle Avenue School, and Mountain View Middle School. These institutions provide a robust education and have become essential community linchpins, linking generations of families to the district.

“The Lamont Elementary School District has been the hub of this community,” Gonzalez said. “It truly serves as the place where all families come, not just to get an education, but to get what they need to help their children get ahead.”

A Celebration of Legacy

The 130th-anniversary celebration was filled with performances that reflected the cultural diversity and pride of Lamont’s students and community. Folklórico dancers representing Lamont, Alicante, and Myrtle Avenue school students captivated the audience with their vibrant performance. The Mountain View Middle School band also performed for the audience as they arrived for the celebration.

The anniversary highlighted the deep connection between the community and its schools. Many of the speakers and attendees not only work in or with the district but are also former students. Ernesto Garay, the president of the district’s Board of Trustees and a former LESD student class of 1976, said he was honored to serve the district for the past eight years.

“I’ve seen great things happen, especially the improvements in academic success for all our students,” he said. “As a former student of this district, it’s a true honor to now serve in this role, helping to continue the legacy of educational excellence that has shaped our community for so long.”

Former principal and superintendent Jim Bates, who served LESD starting in 1973, reflected on the significant developments during his time with the district, including the construction of a new gymnasium, a new office, and a library remodel. Bates emphasized why he chose to remain in Lamont throughout his career.

“If you got into education to make a difference in the lives of kids, there’s not a better place to be than the Lamont School District,” he said.

Maria Ozuna, director of instructional services, shared her appreciation for the exceptional work that all the educators have done over the past 130 years.

“All those who came before us — staff, superintendents, and board members — were visionaries who always thought about how to provide the best education,” she said.

One of the highlights of the celebration was a special exhibit at the district library, which transformed into a temporary museum showcasing memorabilia and artifacts from LESD’s long history. Gonzalez noted that the library exhibit acts as a “time capsule,” where guests were able to reflect on the district’s journey.

“It’s amazing for me to see how the district has evolved,” Gonzalez said.

Looking Toward the Future

While LESD celebrates its past, the district is equally focused on what lies ahead. According to Gonzalez, the district is making strides to prepare students for the future by emphasizing 21st-century skills including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and focusing on learner-centered instruction based on the “whole child.”

“We are dedicated to providing the supportive and enriching environment where every student can thrive while remaining deeply connected to the values that built this district,” she explained. “We’re already seeing gains, and that’s a sign of the progress we’re making.”

Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Baines, who grew up in Kern County, congratulated the district on its milestone and delivered a powerful message about the role of education in transforming lives. She said she never in a million years would have believed that she would become a doctor, and she was doubted many times along the way.

“But I’m standing in front of you today as a doctor and as an elected official because someone believed in me,” she said. “Putting your work and effort into our kids, into our future, into the future of Kern County is one of the biggest gifts that we can give back to this community.”

As LESD celebrates 130 years, it is not just a commemoration of its past but also a promise to continue to evolve and grow as it serves the community.

“It goes to show that there’s a deep love for LESD, Lamont, and its community,” Gonzalez said. “It’s very heartwarming, and I’m very lucky to be part of it.”

The Mountain View Middle School Band plays for the audience as they arrive for the celebration.