Xenophon Strategies

Lennox School District

Devising a Legislative Strategy

Congressional outreach bolsters government affairs initiative.

Project Highlights

• Government affairs
• Lobbying
• Legislative strategy
• Strategic counsel

Overview

Lennox School District is located in a densely populated unincorporated area of Los Angeles, directly in the flight path of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Lennox School District consists of five elementary schools, two charter schools and one middle school, collectively serving 7,545 students.

"This bill will help improve conditions by soundproofing these schools so that every child has the opportunity to learn in the most conducive environment possible."

Barbara Boxer U.S. Senator, California

Lennox School District is a major stakeholder in the LAX Master Plan and part of the Community Benefits Agreement that was negotiated and agreed to by Los Angeles World Airports, which operates LAX. The agreement between the school district and LAX provides an estimated $111 million in funding over several years, including $56 million to replace mobile classrooms with permanent soundproof facilities, and the remainder for various sound attenuation projects.

Strategy

Federal anti-revenue diversion laws require FAA approval for LAX to expend funds to implement the mitigation measures included in its agreement with the school district. Working in partnership with Lennox School District, Xenophon Strategies worked closely with LAX, the FAA, members of the California congressional delegation and the Bush Administration to craft legislative language to assist the school district in addressing serious noise concerns due to aircraft over-flights from LAX.

Xenophon also worked with Rep. Jane Harman, Sen. Barbara Boxer and Sen. Dianne Feinstein to generate support for this legislation. The California delegation worked tirelessly to secure the necessary language in the FAA reauthorization bill, and was successful, only to have the bill stall in committee on an unrelated issue.

Results

After it became apparent that the FAA reauthorization bill would not move quickly, Xenophon worked with Senators Boxer and Feinstein to introduce the measure as a standalone bill. The bill successfully passed the Senate by unanimous consent.

In a press release distributed by Senator Feinstein’s office, Senator Feinstein said, “This is very good news. I have visited these schools. I have personally seen the problem, and how very important it is that these schools get retrofitted. The unanimous approval by the Senate brings us one step closer to getting this bill signed into law.”

In the same release, Senator Boxer said, “I am pleased that the Senate approved this important legislation. The students at Lennox and Inglewood schools are constantly interrupted by the rattle and roar of low-flying planes. They deserve to learn in an environment that is free from the distraction of jet noise. This bill will help improve conditions by soundproofing these schools so that every child has the opportunity to learn in the most conducive environment possible."

A companion bill that was introduced in the House by Rep. Jane Harman was passed and the bill was signed into law.