Next phase of construction starts at Lynwood schools

LYNWOOD - The Lynwood Unified School District has kicked off its second round of Measure K construction projects at several school sites, where work will include approximately $2 million in essential asphalt and roofing repairs, gym improvements and fencing installation and upgrades.Identified campuses will receive improvements under Phase 1B of Lynwood Unified's $10 million construction plan, which includes the first group of construction projects funded under a $93 million Measure K facilities bond approved by Lynwood Unified voters in November 2012. "I'm thrilled that we're continuing to move forward with important projects that will result in safer and more comfortable learning environments for our students," said LUSD Board of Education President Briseida Gonzalez. "These are essential upgrades that will ensure that we are properly maintaining our schools so that they can last for years to come." Both Lindbergh and Will Rogers elementary schools will receive new asphalt and slurry to fix uneven and cracked asphalt that could become a hazard for pedestrians. These projects, which began in late November and are expected to be completed mid-January, will also include the restriping of all asphalt and installation of proper drainage. Six schools - Lincoln Elementary, Will Rogers Elementary, Wilson Elementary, Hosler Middle, Lynwood High and Vista High - will soon see the commencement of portable classroom building roof projects to prevent leaks and provide the proper maintenance of facilities. These projects are estimated to begin in late December and be completed by mid-January. In addition, LUSD will perform gym improvements at Hosler and Lynwood middle schools, which will both receive ceiling upgrades, new paint, scoreboards and basketball backboards, bleacher repairs and floor refurbishments. The work is anticipated to begin in March and be completed after approximately three months. The District is in the process of identifying additional schools that need chain-link fencing installed to separate property lines, as well as sites that need their fencing repainted or repaired. These projects are expected to begin in March and last approximately 30 days. "Our District is being methodical in the way that we spend Measure K funding so that we get the most out of every dollar, and we are dedicated to keeping our community informed about how we allocate this funding," said LUSD Superintendent Paul Gothold. "This general obligation bond is allowing us to perform vital improvements that our campuses need to best serve our students and to be able to operate efficiently." The $10 million construction plan includes Phases 1A, 1B and 1C. Phase 1A was completed over the summer and Phase 1C will commence after the completion of Phase 1B. Phase 1A featured $6 million in upgrades at 16 campuses. Those improvements resulted in new exterior paint, roof replacement, asphalt replacement and repairs and gymnasium improvements. The next round of projects - Phase 1C - will feature the Lynwood High School Field Renovation. The planning and development of the new synthetic field at the campus is in the final design phase and construction is expected to begin in mid 2014. Outside of Phases 1A, 1B and 1C, LUSD is currently in the midst of construction projects at Washington and Lincoln elementary schools that include the removal of dozens of outdated portable classrooms, which will be replaced with new state-of-the-art, energy efficient classroom facilities. The two long-awaited classroom facilities projects total $26 million, half of which is funded under Measure K. The remaining balance is being paid for through state matching funds. The projects include new parking lots and play areas and are on track to be completed in Fall 2014.

********** Published: Dec. 26, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 37