For Immediate Release March 31, 2014
Contact:  Juliette Funes, Valerie Martinez, (909) 445-1001

LUSD Nears Completion of New Classroom Projects at Washington and Lincoln

Lynwood, Calif. – The Lynwood Unified School District is making great strides in completing extensive construction and renovation work at Washington and Lincoln elementary schools, which have seen their outdated portable classrooms transform into permanent, state-of-the-art and energy-efficient classroom buildings.

Utilizing funds from the voter-approved $93 million Measure K bond and state matching funds for the new buildings, LUSD is getting poised to welcome back students, teachers and staff to each site in time for the fall semester.

While work on the new buildings is expected to be complete before the end of the school year, site work at each campus – including newly paved parking lots and any finishing touches around the sites – is slated for completion by July and August for Lincoln and Washington, respectively.

“Construction is moving along beautifully, and it has had a tremendously positive impact on our schools since we started this process last year,” said LUSD Board of Education President Briseida Gonzalez. “We are committed to providing our students with quality learning environments that are safe, functional and are equipped with the 21st century instructional equipment so students will thrive in school.”

At Washington Elementary School, 29 portable classrooms were removed and replaced with two, two-story buildings, each featuring 16 classrooms, as well as staff and student restrooms. At Lincoln Elementary School, 17 portable classrooms and restrooms were replaced with one, two-story building with 14 classrooms and staff and student restrooms.

Over the past few months, the new facilities at both sites made great progress, with the completion of roofing, wall and ceiling framing and drywall, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire sprinkler rough-in, doors, paint and plaster, and much more. Classrooms at Washington and Lincoln have also been installed with marker boards, projector mounts, ceiling tile, vinyl tile flooring and cabinetry. Bathrooms in the new buildings have been installed with ceramic tile, plumbing fixtures and toilet partitions. Both campus buildings will also feature elevators.

Remaining work on the Lincoln site – including the installation of a new parking lot, playground area, landscaping and exterior fencing – will continue through the summer. Work remaining and in progress at Washington includes installation of a new parking lot, concrete and asphalt play and pavement areas, new concrete benches, playground equipment, landscaping and exterior fencing. The remaining 13 temporary trailer classrooms on the campus will also be demolished.

The combined cost of both projects is approximately $26 million, with about half of the cost being funded with state matching funds.

“We are thrilled to see these two much-needed projects move forward so quickly and seamlessly, and I want to thank the Lynwood community for their support and patience in seeing it through for the benefit of all of our students,” LUSD Superintendent Paul Gothold said.

Photo Captions

Lincoln1: Progress continues at Lincoln Elementary School, which had 17 portable classrooms replaced with one, two-story building with 14 classrooms and staff and student restrooms. While work on the new building is expected to be complete before the end of the school year, site work – including a newly paved parking lot – is slated for completion in July.

Washington1: At Washington Elementary School, 29 portable classrooms were removed and replaced with two, two-story buildings, each featuring 16 classrooms, as well as staff and student restrooms and new walkways. While work on the new buildings is expected to be complete before the end of the school year, site work – including a newly paved parking lot – is expected to be complete in August.