Consultants lay out $439.5M facilities master plan; board warned upgrades will rely on mixed funding

The district presented an abbreviated facilities master plan Dec. 10 that inventories campus conditions, sets educational specifications and estimates an approximately $439.5 million program of construction, modernization and upgrades across Inglewood Unified sites.

Consultant CFW (Mr. Flores) and Assistant Superintendent Raphael Guzman told the board the plan evaluates each campus against two ‘state loading’ sizes for TK–8 schools (roughly 535 and 790 pupils) and prioritizes classroom replacement and modernization, removal of aging portable buildings and site improvements to increase green space and optimize nutritional service areas. The presenters emphasized many school buildings are decades old and some may require replacement rather than patchwork modernization.

Mr. Flores explained state funding mechanics: modernization grants require DSA and state education review, take 18–24 months to process, and often districts use local bond funds up front and seek state reimbursement. He identified primary non‑general‑fund sources: general obligation bonds (local), state modernization grants, and developer/mitigation fees. The consultant stressed the plan is a roadmap — implementation timing and scope will depend on available funding and board direction.

Board members raised site‑specific concerns including overcrowding at Oak Street, the need for a STEM center at Payne, and neighborhood expectations related to major local development projects. Members requested the plan be used to guide prioritized capital programming and funding outreach.