A new library, science labs, and even an outdoor classroom are in store for James A. Garfield High School students and faculty through a $151 million dollar renovation planned for the 98-year-old school.
LAUSD introduced its Major Modernization Project during a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, with a scheduled completion date of Q3 2029.
Highlights of the two new four-story buildings include more than 30 classrooms, including general classrooms, SPED classrooms, new science labs, and an outdoor classroom. The project would also incorporate a new library, history garden, collaboration spaces for both students and faculty, additional elevators, and solar panels. A new, larger parking lot established would be a buffer between the street and the new school buildings.
The district’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety presented a thorough timeline of the project and the findings of a detailed document that provides environmental study information for the project, during the meeting.
The environmental report showed that the undertaking would have “no impact” or “less than significant impacts” on things like water and air quality, noise, greenhouse gas emissions, pedestrian safety, transportation, and public services of the area. Thus, an official Environmental Impact Report through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) will not be conducted.
Some meeting attendees weren’t convinced and, in the Q&A component of the meeting, asked about hazards associated with the removal of small traces of lead and arsenic found underground at six locations of the proposed build site.
One person was concerned that even minimal traces of lead underground was dangerous, and another suggested the community be notified when the lead would be excavated and removed.
District representatives reassured the audience that proper precautions would be taken before demolition and construction and that dust from the project would be monitored to ensure minimal airborne particles would be escaping the site. A third-party group will also be monitoring soil movement during the duration of the construction.
According to the preliminary plan, two permanent buildings and two portable structures at the Eastside school will be demolished and two multi-story buildings will take their place.
The renovation design has yet to be finalized, but district representative Jocelyn Chávez said a design and mockup will be selected in the coming months, with three designers’ designs in the race. A final design of the Major Modernization Project will be unveiled at the next Garfield High School Community Meeting, slated within the next few months.
District representatives assured the Garfield community the school will work to demolish one building at a time to not critically diminish the classroom availability for students during the demolition and construction process.
Funding for the major modernization project would come from Measure RR funds, a school bond measure approved by voters in 2020, to upgrade, modernize and replace aging and deteriorating school facilities and address inequities in Los Angeles public schools.
And when asked if a swimming pool for Bulldogs will be considered, the district had a short answer: No.
“It would be a nice and great facility to add, but we had to make sure the investment was catered to facilities or buildings that were in need of immediate [renovation],” said an LAUSD representative.
All CEQA documents related to the project can be found on LAUSD’s website. The Notice of Intent for the project can be read here and in the main office of Garfield High School. Opportunity for public comment is available until May 17th.
