The Lynwood Unified School District is home to 17 schools built to hold more than 16,000 students. Today, the district has capacity for about 5,000 more students than are currently enrolled. The facilities optimization process will allow the district to realign schools and resources to better support student success.
Courtesy photo
Wave Staff Report
LYNWOOD — The Lynwood Unified School District is launching a facilities optimization process this fall as part of an effort to create equitable learning environments for every student while addressing shifts in student enrollment and rising facility maintenance costs.
The process focuses on maximizing the use of the district’s facilities and resources to expand access to academic programs, after-school enrichment and modern learning spaces designed to meet the needs of its students. By aligning facilities with current and future student needs, the district hopes to foster collaboration among teachers and staff and deliver a stronger educational experience for all.
“While declining enrollment is a challenge facing nearly every school district across Los Angeles County and California, including Lynwood Unified, it also presents a valuable opportunity,” Assistant Superintendent Gretchen Janson said. “This process allows us to thoughtfully realign our schools and resources to better support student success today and well into the future.
“Over the last decade, the district’s enrollment has declined by nearly 4,000 students, with projections showing an additional drop of more than 2,000 by 2028,” Janson added. “Our schools, built for over 16,000 students, currently have space for about 5,000 more.
Following a school board study session in June, the school board authorized the creation of a 12-person facilities optimization committee — composed of parents, staff and administrators — to review data such as enrollment trends, facility conditions and program impacts.
In November, the committee will present its recommendations to the school board, which is expected to make a final decision in December. Recommendations may include updating school boundaries, enhancing program offerings, consolidating under-enrolled campuses and prioritizing investments in modern, well-equipped learning spaces.
“The future of our schools belongs to all of us, and this process is about making sure our resources are aligned to give every student the best educational experience possible,” Janson said.
“This process is more than just about buildings and numbers — it’s about our shared commitment to providing every Lynwood student with the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed,” Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul said. “By working together as a community, we will build a stronger, more resilient school district that prepares our students for a bright future.”
All committee meetings will be livestreamed on the LynwoodTV YouTube channel on Sept. 2, 16 and 30 and Oct. 14 and 28;
