Board of Education Approves Major Infrastructure Upgrades With Campus Greening Improvements (03-12-24)

Board of Education Approves Major Infrastructure Upgrades With Campus Greening Improvements

Investing in our students with more than $421 million bond dollars at work

Los Angeles, CA (March 12, 2024) – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education today approved more than $421 million in projects to provide upgraded, state-of-the-art facilities that further advance Los Angeles Unified’s 2022-26 Strategic Plan.

The Board approved $312 million for projects at Carson High School Complex, Clover Avenue Elementary School and James Madison Middle School to provide new classrooms and support spaces in permanent buildings. The three classroom replacement projects also include greening upgrades for outdoor spaces to align with the District’s goal of 30% green schoolyards, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements and exterior painting of existing buildings.

Additionally $94.7 million was approved to upgrade playgrounds and campus exteriors at Allesandro Elementary School, Carson Street Elementary STEAM Academy, Charnock Road Elementary, Erwin Elementary, Germain Academy for Academic Achievement, Hart Street Elementary, Melrose Math/Science/Technology Magnet Elementary School and Betty Plasencia Elementary & STEAM Magnet. The projects will provide greening and landscaping throughout the campus in support of the District’s 30% green schoolyards goal, new asphalt paving, exterior painting of all buildings, privacy fencing and ADA accessibility improvements, as needed.

Three athletic facilities upgrade projects with a combined budget of approximately $14.5 million were also approved at Robert Fulton College Preparatory, James Monroe High School and Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets. The improved athletic facilities include a new football scoreboard, track and field upgrades, and physical education building interior improvements to support physical education programs, student athletic achievement and competitive athletic programs.

The Board also approved $390,000 for ADA upgrades at Bridge Street Elementary School. The project which includes a new ramp, new stairs, and an accessible gate, among other improvements, will provide program accessibility for students and the community, and ensure that all have an equal opportunity to access programs and activities at this campus. 

Lastly, the Board approved over $85 million in construction contracts for prior Board-approved projects including: a classroom replacement project at Franklin Avenue Elementary School; new roofing at Bell High School, Birmingham Community Charter High School, King-Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science, Daniel Pearl Magnet High School, Stonehurst Avenue Elementary STEAM Magnet, Walnut Park Elementary School; new synthetic turf field at Helen Bernstein High School; fire alarm system upgrades at West Valley Occupational Center; and ADA accessibility improvements at Warner Avenue School and Marlton School.

“Los Angeles Unified has been serving the community for more than 60 years and upgrading our schools campuses is crucial for progress,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “These investments reflect our ongoing commitment to providing safe and modern learning environments that uplift the academic achievement and well-being of our students.”

“I am thrilled to see a report of facility improvements totaling over $421 million included in this month’s Board Meeting summary,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “Thank you to our tireless Facilities and Maintenance team for their dedication. We know there is more work to be done, but these substantial facilities upgrades are an important investment in our future.”

“Upgrading facilities is also a means of improving student academic performance, improving teacher support, and welcoming the entire Los Angeles Unified community,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Promoting these upgrades means more green space, sustainable buildings, safety enhancements, and a learning environment that our students and employees deserve.”

“These ongoing facilities investments are important in aligning our classrooms and school sites with the needs of learning environments of the future,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “However, we do need to find ways to bring in additional resources so we can accelerate the improvements across the District.”

”These strategic investments in classroom replacements, as well as major upgrades to playgrounds and athletic facilities, reflect the District’s commitment to expanding our students’ learning environments, greening our campuses, and providing accessibility for all students,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said.

“I'm proud that the District is investing $421 million in our school facilities including classroom replacements, athletic facilities upgrades, and outdoor learning environment projects,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “I'm particularly glad to see the needed facilities investments at Warner Elementary School, West Valley Occupational Center, Westchester Enriched Sciences Magnets, and Melrose Math/Science/Technology Magnet Elementary School in Board District 4 to ensure accessibility, student safety, and state of the art outdoor spaces for athletics and play.”

“Today, we’re investing more than $80m in East Valley schools across Board District 6 – in classroom upgrades, greening projects, athletic facilities, digital marquees, and more,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “Together, these investments will improve facilities, enhance learning environments, and create brighter futures for our students.”

“I am proud to approve $421 million in facility investments to enhance the physical learning environment in our district,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “A portion of these bond dollars will go to Board District 7 schools to fund additional safety upgrades, outdoor learning, playground upgrades, new roofing and much much more!”

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