Lynwood Unified Optimization Committee Continues Careful Review of Elementary School Facilities

Lynwood Unified’s Facilities Optimization Committee held its third meeting on September 30 to continue exploring ways to strengthen school facilities, ensure equity and support high-quality learning environments for all students.

The Committee – made up of parents, teachers, staff and administrators – reviewed the physical conditions of all 12 elementary schools, enrollment trends and capacity, as well as each school’s demographic composition, such as ethnic diversity, English learners, students with disabilities and foster youth.

Members also worked in small groups to review scatterplot maps that showed where students live and their walking distance to schools, which ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, and analyzed which campuses were best resourced. Using this data, the Committee explored different possibilities for optimizing facilities, including repurposing or merging campuses like Lugo and Wilson elementary schools, which currently have lower enrollment, require significant facilities improvements and lack kitchens. No recommendations were made.

“No one wants to see schools close, but these conversations are critical as we look to the future of our District and determine how to best invest our bond dollars and resources,” Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Gretchen Janson, Ed.D. said. “Our goal is to carefully weigh every option and make thoughtful, strategic choices that protect opportunities for all students.”

Since 2015, Lynwood Unified – like many districts across LA County and California – has experienced significant declining enrollment. The District’s student population has decreased by nearly 4,000 students and is projected to decline by another 900 by 2028. These realities require the District to plan responsibly so that every student continues to learn in a thriving environment.

The Committee previously came to a consensus on relocating Hosler Middle School students to the Bullis Campus in Fall 2027 when the new Lynwood High School Imperial Campus reopens.

The group will meet again on October 14 and October 28 to review:

• Aesthetics and concerns for blight
• Operating costs
• Environmental factors (traffic, freeway access, etc.)
• Impact on feeder schools, if any

The Committee’s final recommendations will be presented to the Board of Education in November, with a decision expected in December. Any changes would take effect beginning in the 2026-27 school year.

To ensure transparency and community input, all Facilities Optimization Committee meetings are livestreamed from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on the LynwoodTV YouTube channel. Families and staff are also encouraged to submit questions and feedback through the District’s website.