LYNWOOD, CA – Lynwood Unified School District celebrated a new chapter for the Lynwood High School Imperial Campus with the Dec. 12 groundbreaking for a state-of-the-art 175,000-square-foot classroom building. Set to open in fall 2027, the facility will offer modern resources, opportunities and enriching educational experiences for future Knights for generations to come.

Donning hard hats and safety vests, future Lynwood High students and District officials grabbed their shovels and made the first dig into a mound of dirt at the construction site, marking the official start of the transformative project. The event – which included performances by the César Chávez Middle School Advanced Band and the Hosler Middle School Cheer team – featured inspiring remarks from District officials, honored guests and students who will be among the first to enter the renovated campus as freshmen.

“Even though I’m still in elementary school, I’m already thinking about my future and what I want to be when I grow up,” said Angelina Raygoza, a sixth-grader at Roosevelt Elementary School. “I’m excited knowing that a brand-new school with amazing teachers and resources will be waiting for us. A huge thank you to the Board of Education, the District, our state leaders and the Lynwood community for making this happen. We can’t wait to make you proud!”

The new facility is part of a comprehensive revitalization project made possible by $250 million in funding from the State Legislature, secured by Lynwood Unified Board of Education following the discovery of structural issues that led to the school’s closure in summer 2020. The District held a demolition ceremony in November 2023 and has since been preparing the site for construction, obtaining the necessary state approvals and conducting thorough prequalification processes for all contractors.

This new milestone marks the beginning of a broader effort to create hands-on and modern learning environments for all Lynwood students, fostering academic excellence and career readiness. The three-story building will house 70 classrooms and specialized spaces, including a culinary arts kitchen, advanced medical training labs, dedicated art rooms, a new kiln and refreshed interior design. Athletic facilities will also be upgraded with new softball, baseball and practice soccer fields.

“This moment is incredibly emotional for all of our students, staff and alumni who have been part of Lynwood High School’s journey,” Principal Ana Gonzalez said. “Despite the challenges, they’ve shown remarkable strength and resilience, laying the foundation for a campus where dreams can flourish. We’re excited to soon welcome our Knights back to the Castle and watch the halls of Lynwood High School come to life once again.”

Contractors will begin to conduct preliminary work to prepare for deep soil mixing this spring. Additional campus improvements are planned for the remaining site buildings, including the performing arts center, gymnasium, administration building, library, cafeteria and industrial arts buildings.

“This project represents a pivotal moment for Lynwood High School – a powerful step toward rebuilding a campus that reflects the pride, resilience and potential of our students,” Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite, Ph.D., said. “This isn’t just the construction of a new building; it’s the foundation for a brighter future for all Lynwood Knights and creating an environment where innovation, opportunity and equity come together to shape brighter futures.”

To stay updated and view project details, visit bit.ly/LHSUpdates.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

LUSD_LHSGROUNDBREAKING_1: Lynwood Unified School District officials, city and state representatives, and future Lynwood High School students break ground on the Lynwood High School Imperial Campus classroom building on Dec. 12, 2024.

LUSD_LHSGROUNDBREAKING_2: Lincoln Elementary School sixth-grader Iziah Kobe Jimenez, a future Lynwood High School Knight, views the renderings and plans for the campus he’ll attend as a freshman in 2027 during the groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 12, 2024.

LUSD_LHSGROUNDBREAKING_2: Lynwood Unified School District Board of Education members, from left, Gary Hardie, Jr., Alma Carina Castro, Ed.D., Maria G. Lopez and Julian Del Real Calleros and Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite celebrate the groundbreaking of the new classroom building, which is expected to open in fall 2027.

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