IUSD updates environmental review and timing for stadium‑style field lights; community speakers press safety and equity case

Irvine Unified School District staff on Tuesday detailed studies and an environmental review timeline for proposed field lighting at Woodbridge and Northwood high schools and took public comments from parents, coaches and band staff who urged the board to approve lights for safety, equity and program access.

Facilities overview: Kelvin Ochino, Executive Director for Facilities Planning and Construction, told the board the field‑lighting project would install four Musco light standards at each campus (two per side of the main field) and explicitly would not include a new stadium, permanent seating or a public address/speaker system. Staff said technical and environmental studies — including a draft environmental impact report and a photometric study by Musco — are part of the review. The draft EIR public comment period closed Nov. 12; staff and consultants will respond to comments and present a final EIR for board consideration in February 2026 (tentative Feb. 17). Construction procurement and contractor awards are expected in spring 2026, with lights targeted to be operational in October 2026 if the project proceeds on schedule.

Public comment: Multiple community members told trustees the absence of permanent lights creates safety and equity problems because teams must practice early morning or cut practices short at dusk, limiting access to programs and reducing parent and student attendance at events. "Our students deserve the same opportunities, as every other high school in Irvine," said Milton Rodas, a Woodbridge parent and community representative, during public comment. Coaches and athletic staff described crowded practice schedules, reliance on portable lights and difficulty retaining volunteer coaches because of constrained hours.

Technical response and neighborhood concerns: Facilities staff addressed homeowner concerns about light spill and hours of operation. Ochino described a Musco photometric study included in environmental documents and said the model shows no measurable footcandles on nearby homes at the limits used in the study: "Musco's light studying on any home ... 0 footcandles," he said, pointing the board to the study in the environmental package. Staff also said the district and city standards would limit typical facility operation — lights would be controllable and are generally turned off by 10:00 p.m., and facility‑use agreements can impose stricter time limits for outside users.

Board and next steps: Trustees thanked staff and public commenters and asked follow‑up questions about control, scheduling and community coordination. No vote was taken at the study session; staff said environmental certification is scheduled for board consideration in February and formal project approval and contractor award are planned during spring 2026 if the EIR supports moving forward.