LAUSD Provides Canyon Campus Remodel Updates

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Los Angeles Unified School District presented the latest updates and developments of the Classroom Replacement Project at Canyon Charter Elementary School on Wednesday, May 17, with construction slated to begin by the end of 2023.

LAUSD’s initial announcement that the Canyon campus would undergo a renovation prompted community concerns back in 2018, but meetings kept parents and neighbors informed of the changes, which include the removal and replacement of temporary classrooms.

Temporary, or “portable,” classrooms were first put in place to accommodate increasing enrollment throughout the district. Per state requirements, LAUSD had to remove the classrooms purchased from the Department of Housing.

Phase 1 included the removal of two classrooms in one DOH building along Entrada Drive.

Senior Facilities Development Manager Scott Singletary previously explained that because there are so many portable buildings on the Canyon campus, the project was amended to remove all portable buildings and build modern classrooms in place of them.

The next phase of the project includes the demolition of two kindergarten classrooms, removal of the seven portable classrooms left on the campus, relocation of the Historical Schoolhouse building, and construction of nine new classrooms and support spaces.

Relative to the construction, the team has to reroute a sewer line and there will be general upgrades, including new land- and hardscape, and play areas.

Construction was anticipated to begin toward the end of 2022 or at the start of 2023, and continue through 2025. In the May 17 announcement, the Facilities Services Division shared that “unexpected circumstances” have affected the project’s construction schedule.

“We are waiting for some pending permits, we still anticipate starting construction by the end of this year, 2023,” the announcement read. “And once we start, we will work at the fastest and safest possible pace.”

Singletary previously said he foresees a 36-month construction schedule.

Prior to construction, the school will host a Pre-Construction Community Meeting to inform and address “issues of student safety during construction, more definite construction schedules and measures to minimize the impact of construction on instruction,” according to the announcement.

“We will send you meeting details well in advance,” the announcement read. “In the meantime, we truly appreciate the support and understanding shown by our parents, community and school administration.”