Wave Staff Report
LYNWOOD — The Lynwood Unified School District marked a major construction milestone Jan. 26 with a beam signing and topping off celebration at the Lynwood High School Imperial Campus, commemorating the placement of a ceremonial last steel beam on the new three-story classroom building scheduled to open in fall 2027.
The ceremony highlighted steady progress on the district’s $250 million, state-funded reconstruction project, which will pave the way for a 156,384-square-foot, state-of-the-art learning facility when the campus reopens. Students, staff, community members and district leaders signed the ceremonial beam before it was lifted into place by a crane — symbolizing shared pride, resilience and investment in Lynwood’s future.
“As we raise this beam, we are building more than a campus — we are building opportunity,” district Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul said. “This project reflects our commitment to building modern, hands-on learning spaces that foster creativity, academic excellence, and career readiness for generations of Lynwood scholars.”
The event featured performances by the Lynwood High School Marching Band and Cheer Team, along with remarks from district leaders and future Lynwood High School students, celebrating both the progress achieved and the promise ahead.
“In less than two years, this campus will be our home, and it’s kind of amazing to think that one day we’ll be walking these hallways as Lynwood High School students,” said Leslie Barragan, a seventh-grader at Hosler Middle School who will start as a freshman in the school’s opening year. “Today reminds us that we are the future. We’re ready to make you proud.”
While the milestone marks visible progress, it also reflects years of thoughtful planning to ensure the project is completed safely, responsibly and with long-term student success in mind.
The Imperial Campus was closed in summer 2020 when structural failures were identified, prompting the district to relocate students while pursuing a long-term solution. In response, the Lynwood school board successfully secured funding from the state Legislature to support a comprehensive revitalization of the campus.
The district worked extensively behind the scenes to navigate state approvals, prequalify contractors and partner with experienced design and construction teams to bring the project to fruition. Following a demolition ceremony in November 2023, site preparation continued through 2024, leading to the project’s groundbreaking in December 2024.
Construction to date has included deep soil mixing, underground utility installation, foundation work, and the start of a kiln building for future art and ceramics instruction. With the steel structure now complete, construction will move into the next phase of enclosing the building and developing interior learning spaces.
“This project reflects our vision for the future of learning in Lynwood — spaces designed for innovation, exploration and opportunity,” school board President Alfonso Morales said. “Today’s celebration represents more than steel and concrete — it reflects our community’s belief in its students and their future.”
Once complete, the facility will house 69 classrooms and specialized learning spaces, including a culinary arts kitchen, advanced medical training labs, dedicated art rooms and refreshed interior design developed with community feedback.
Planning is also underway for upgraded athletic facilities, including new softball, baseball and practice soccer fields, ensuring the entire Imperial Campus is revitalized to serve generations of Lynwood High School Knights.
