Even as the pandemic raged over the summer, construction of the many projects within the Los Alamitos Unified School District’s Measure G initiative have remained on schedule, Facilities Director C. J. Knowland, Jr. told the board Tuesday.
In 2018, district voters approved a proposal to allow LAUSD to sell municipal bonds worth $97 million to facilitate a series of infrastructure improvements throughout the system.
Among the more notable projects approved by voters, an Olympic pool and aquatic center, is now essentially complete and the stage is now set for the three-story instructional STEAM facility to begin soon, he said.
“We’ve been extremely busy,” said Knowland.
Knowland said the Los Alamitos High School’s new Olympic pool, and aquatic center, was virtually complete, including new structures with the dressing rooms, etc.
Given the “size and scope” of the project, said Knowland, “it’s probably one of the finest pool facilities I’ve ever seen at a high school,” he said.
In fact, Knowland said the pool facility is now being used quite frequently by students involved in the various water sports.
The pandemic limits groups to no more than 10 people using the facility at one time, added Dr. Andrew Pulver, Superintendent, which does make the facility seem like it is super busy.
Knowland said the modular restrooms have been installed and finished with improvements designed to blend the modular building seamlessly into the campus.
In addition, he said the new digital scoreboard is in place and its signal is “crystal clear.”
The classroom space and a pavilion for spectators have also been completed, he added.
Regarding the new three-story STEAM building, Knowland said all of the prep groundwork is complete, including the foundational footings.
He said “we could see steel going up as early as October,” said Knowland, adding that deliveries of materials will be coordinated in a “just in time” method, meaning that materials brought to the site will be used shortly after their delivery to keep school disruptions to a minimum (once students return to campus (currently scheduled for Sept. 29).
Footings have been installed below ground to secure the foundation for the new three-story instructional facility, said Knowland. Moreover, he said the “underground stabilization” for the new STEAM building is complete.
Here are the other completed Measure G projects that Knowland included in his most recent progress report;
• Two new playgrounds with equipment at McGaugh Elementary, one for the upper grades, and a separate one for the lower grades.
• Modular restrooms at Hopkins Elementary and Los Alamitos Elementary that have been finished to blend in with existing campus infrastructure.
• Deferred maintenance projects including parking lot improvements. Asphalt replacements.
• Wellness Centers at Oak Middle School and McAullife Middle School, including new carpeting and structures designed in cooperation with Children’s Hospital of Orange County and the OC Department of Education.
• New carpeting at Los Al High school to replace flooring almost two decades old.
• Completed emergency battery installation at all campuses; now coordinating with Edison for activation.
• Upgraded HVAC systems at the district office and LAHS Performing Arts Center.
• Upgraded the Sea Lion fountain at McGaugh Elementary.
