Accessibility upgrades valued at $49.6 million were approved for Hubert Howe Bancroft Middle School by the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education. (photo courtesy of LAUSD)

The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education approved more than $92.3 million in bond funds to upgrade and maintain facilities and to provide safe and sustainable green spaces for outdoor learning. Improving and maintaining state-of-the-art facilities further advances the LAUSD 2022-26 Strategic Plan.

“We must continue to create and expand experiences and access to state-of-the-art facilities for our school communities,” LAUSD superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Our learning environments complement our students’ talent, and with these upgrades, we will close equity gaps in order to prepare students to be ready for the world. These investments are a positive step forward for Los Angeles Unified.”

Accessibility upgrades valued at $49.6 million were approved at Hubert Howe Bancroft Middle School, which is located at 929 N. Las Palmas Ave. in Hollywood, as well as Broad Avenue Elementary School, Daniel Webster Middle School, 95th Street Elementary School and Pinewood Avenue Elementary School. Projects will provide students with equal opportunity access to programs and activities on the campuses. Americans with Disabilities Act improvements will be made to ensure barrier-free learning environments. The approved projects are part of the LAUSD’s ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan.

The board also approved $33 million to continue efforts to reduce levels of lead in school drinking water to below 5 parts per billion – one of the strictest requirements in the nation for a school district. The funding permits the LAUSD to complete the remediation of drinking water fountains and install water bottle filling stations at all special education centers and elementary schools.

“Every student should have access to the academic learning, joy and wellness that green space and outdoor learning opportunities provide, and we will continue to prioritize urgent and ambitious investments that create these beneficial environments for our kids and school communities,” LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin said.

For information, visit lausd.net.