Los Angeles board approves $506 million in facility upgrades
The Los Angeles Unified school board has voted to approve more than $506 million in bond-funded projects to provide upgraded facilities.
“These are critical and necessary bond-funded projects,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho says in a district news release. “But there is more to be done. If we are seeking to be the premier urban school district in the nation, then our campuses and facilities need to be updated to foster an educational environment capable of addressing current academic challenges.”
The board approved $402.6 million to replace portable buildings with new permanent classroom buildings at Bell High School, Leo Politi Elementary School, Limerick Elementary School and Third Street Elementary School. Additional campus upgrades include greening improvements to outdoor spaces that align with the district’s goal of 30% green schoolyards, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements and exterior painting of existing buildings.
Over $64 million was approved to upgrade classrooms at Adams Middle School, Audubon Middle School, Bancroft Middle School, Burbank Arts Tech Community Magnet Middle School, Fleming Middle School, Hale Charter Academy Middle School, Louis Armstrong Middle School and Daniel Webster Middle School. Existing classrooms will be outfitted with new technology, flexible classroom furniture, white boards/tack boards, ceiling tiles and window blinds.
The board approved $31.4 million for ADA accessibility improvements at Haskell Elementary STEAM Magnet, Parthenia Academy of Arts & Technology, Perez Special Education Center, Willenberg Special Education Center, Hollywood High School and Lowman Special Education & Career Transition Center.
Additionally, $8.5 million was approved for critical replacements and upgrades of school building/site systems at Johnnie L. Cochran Jr. Middle School. The project includes ADA improvements and a new reading garden with greening. Fifteen schools will also receive secure entry system upgrades.
