Committee weighs consolidation of Wilson and Lugo elementary schools, recommends further study

The Lynwood Unified School Facility Optimization Committee on a recent afternoon recommended the committee and staff pursue formal study of consolidating two elementary campuses — Wilson and Lugo — and to consider a possible third site, the committee agreed during group breakouts and reporting.

Joe Pandalfa, facilitator with Total School Solutions, presented maps and slides showing building-condition ratings, school enrollment and geocoded student residences. "We want to basically hear from you and get some opinions," Pandalfa said in opening remarks, and later summarized the committee's earlier finding that some campuses are candidates for deeper review. He noted the committee previously "reached consensus to move Hosler Middle School to the current Lynwood High School campus" once the new high school is built.

Why it matters: District staff and consultants said consolidation could free limited bond dollars for long-term investment at a smaller set of campuses, avoid repeated repairs to facilities that may be taken off-line, and reduce the number of combination classes that commonly appear at very small sites. Gretchen Jansen, assistant superintendent for…