Lynwood Unified’s Facilities Optimization Committee Continues Review of School Site Recommendations

Lynwood Unified’s Facilities Optimization Committee continued its thoughtful and extensive discussions on potential school consolidations during its October 14 meeting, where members continued to review enrollment data and facilities needs for Lincoln, Lugo, Rosa Parks and Wilson elementary schools.

The committee’s final meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, before presenting recommendations to the Board of Education in November.

The committee – composed of parents, teachers, staff and administrators – reviewed operating costs, environmental considerations, impacts on feeder schools, and aesthetics and potential for blight, ensuring decisions are made responsibly and with the best interests of students and families in mind.

Closing a school site could generate annual savings of approximately $500,000 to $750,000 per school in operating costs, largely from reduced utilities and maintenance expenses. While personnel savings would be minimal due to ongoing staffing needs, these reductions could allow the District to reinvest in classrooms and programs that directly benefit students. The District also allows student transfers to schools with available space, providing families with flexibility.

The committee’s work is especially important as the District determines how to best invest its limited bond funds to improve school facilities. Lynwood Unified has identified approximately $250 million in facility improvement needs across all schools, yet the Measure U bond approved by voters in November provides only $80 million.

This creates a challenge in deciding where to invest bond dollars, particularly in avoiding major improvements at sites that could be consolidated or closed within the next few years. Should any closures occur, a 7-11 Committee made up of diverse community members would be established to recommend future uses for the affected properties.

Since 2015, Lynwood Unified – like many districts across Los Angeles County and California – has experienced significant declining enrollment, underscoring the District’s responsibility to plan proactively so every student continues to learn in a safe and modern environment.

The Committee previously reached a consensus on relocating Hosler Middle School students to the Bullis Campus beginning Fall 2027, when the new Lynwood High School Imperial Campus reopens. The committee’s final recommendations will be presented to the Board of Education in November, with a Board decision expected in December. Any approved 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.