Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Approves Athletic Facilities Upgrades (06-20-23)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2023

Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Approves Athletic Facilities Upgrades

Investing in our students with more than $59.7 million bond dollars at work

Los Angeles, CA (June 20, 2023) – The Board of Education today approved approximately $59.7 million to upgrade, modernize and develop athletic facilities at seven high schools across the District. The athletic facilities upgrades approved for Chatsworth Charter High School, Cleveland Charter High School, Susan Miller Dorsey High School, Mervyn M. Dymally High School, Gardena Senior High School, Thomas Jefferson High School and Reseda Charter High School align with the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan to modernize and maintain state-of-the-art facilities.

“Today is a celebration of equitable investments for our school communities and student athletes,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “We are committed to making Los Angeles Unified the nation’s premier urban school district. This includes world-class academic excellence, state-of-the-art and modernized spaces, brilliant music and arts programs and unrivaled athletic facilities.”

New and improved athletic facilities, including track and field upgrades among other athletic amenities, will support the physical education program, student athletic achievement and competitive athletic programs at each school site.

“Amazing upgrades to athletic fields are coming to the District, including Thomas Jefferson High School in Board District 5,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “We know that students and families need more than academics for a fully satisfying high school experience. We are thrilled to be investing in these very deserving schools.”

“Updating all aspects of our schools is crucial to the future of education and athletics,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “These athletic facilities are necessary for our students’ fitness goals. Furthermore, by developing these newer facilities, we aim to keep students safe from potential harm or injury while competing on the field. That is our main priority with the modernization projects at these seven schools.”

“I am excited about the investment the District is making in upgrading our athletic facilities,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “I really want to underscore the needs of campuses like Dorsey High School. It is a school with a long history of academic success and athletic achievement that stand tall among their alumni, who have made significant contributions to every field of human achievement. These campus improvements will continue to allow Dorsey to support athletic excellence for students in the years to come.”

“Congratulations to these schools and neighborhoods – athletics are an essential part of the high school experience and can bring communities together,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “While I am always happy to see our schools get much-needed upgrades, it’s essential that the District allocate funds in such a way that climate resilience and campus sustainability remain at the forefront of our decision-making with every dollar spent on facilities.”

“I’m thrilled to direct this $60 million investment to upgrade our athletic facilities—and especially excited to approve the $9 million I allocated to add a brand-new track and athletic field to Reseda Charter High’s current campus modernization project,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said.

“With nearly $60 million in new bond projects, we are investing in our students so they can excel in football, soccer, track and field and other athletics,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “Investments like these bring joy to our students, our schools, and our entire communities, and we can’t wait to host future games, matches and meets at these facilities.”

“Thank you, voters, for making it possible to improve our sports facilities that foster a legacy of athletic excellence that will forever shape the lives of our current and future students and school communities,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “We look forward to seeing the exceptional upgrades at our high schools, especially the tracks, restrooms, concessions and football stadiums at Gardena High School and Dymally High School in Board District 7. Go team!”

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