Board of Education Approves School Facilities Upgrades and Outdoor Learning Spaces (10-17-23)

Board of Education Approves School Facilities Upgrades and Outdoor Learning Spaces

Investing in our students with more than $30 million bond dollars at work

Los Angeles, CA (Oct. 17, 2023) – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education today approved more than $30 million worth of bond-funded projects to provide modern, upgraded facilities and welcoming outdoor learning spaces as Los Angeles Unified further advances the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.

“Los Angeles Unified continues making progress toward our goal of transforming the District into the most eco-friendly school system in the nation,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “We have more work to do and recognize the immediacy and urgency of this moment to combat climate change, but we are making tremendous strides.”

The Board approved approximately $5.2 million for a new Early Education Center (EEC) to be built on the Chatsworth Charter High School campus. The new EEC will provide high-quality licensed care facilities for children and families in the Chatsworth community, which has a high need for licensed infant, toddler and preschool early education programs.

Five outdoor learning environment projects, with a combined value of $13.7 million, were also approved at Bridge Street Elementary School, Cimarron Avenue Elementary School, Fair Avenue Elementary School, Grape Street Elementary School, and Rowan Avenue Elementary School. Each project will provide an approximately 2,000 square foot outdoor learning space with landscaping, shaded seating areas, shade structure, internet connectivity and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements.

Further, more than $11.3 million for critical infrastructure upgrades were approved, including projects to provide new staircases at Hollywood High School, Pio Pico Middle School and Walnut Park Elementary School as well as a synthetic turf field replacement project at Esteban E. Torres High School.

Additionally, the Board approved a 3-year agreement between the District and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) in which LADWP will provide up to $4.8 million to support transportation electrification projects at select District sites located within the LADWP service area.

The Board also approved more than $108 million in construction contracts for prior Board-approved projects including: the first construction phase of the Hamilton High School comprehensive modernization project which comprises stadium/track and field upgrades); a new two-story classroom building and site upgrades at Ivanhoe Elementary School; a new outdoor classroom and ADA restroom upgrades at Normandie Avenue EEC, and a new underground hydronic piping system at Richard E. Byrd Middle School.

Lastly, the Board approved the $79.3 million purchase of 180 newly built electric school buses, representing the largest single-purchase of new electric school buses by a school district. This major investment furthers the ongoing implementation of transportation electrification plans to have an all-electric bus fleet by 2040 in accordance with the District’s 100 percent clean, renewable energy goals.

“I am always happy to have the opportunity to approve projects that will further modernize, green, electrify and upgrade our district infrastructure,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “These are exciting projects, and I’m happy that we’re moving them forward.”

“Our district continues necessary investments into critical areas such as electrification and modernization projects for the betterment of our communities,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “We also recognize high-need areas, which is why I am pleased to see the construction of more early childhood education centers to assist with the challenges parents face today and green spaces to combat intensifying heat brought on by climate change.”

“These ongoing facilities investments are vital to ensuring that our schools continue to serve our students and their educational needs for years to come,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “District 1 is home to several schools that are over 100 years old, and these critical improvements help to breathe new life into our campuses for the next century and beyond.”

“As chair of the Green Schools and Climate Resilience Committee, moving this important work forward and committing to a comprehensive greening plan, gives me hope that we will finally address decades of environmental injustice by bringing much needed upgrades, greening and welcoming spaces to our schools,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. "This is why we have so many innovative environmental advocates at the table on the Green Committee and we will continue to lead these efforts side by side with community leaders.”

“As we work to build a better LA Unified, I’m proud to direct new funding to invest in more modernized facilities, innovative learning environments, and green space on all our campuses—including the new outdoor staircases we are approving today at Hollywood High in my district,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said.

“We’re excited to move forward with new projects in support of outdoor learning, students’ physical and mental health and environmental sustainability,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “These projects and others are making our school district stronger, more resilient and better at servicing the diverse needs of our students and families.”

“Our school communities deserve a learning environment that fosters effective teaching, learning, and safety, with upgraded facilities and sustainable efforts,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “I am grateful for our partnership with LADWP as they will help support Los Angeles Unified expand our electrification efforts district-wide to better serve our students, staff, and the environment.”

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