Inglewood High rebuild: EIR required, demolition expected early 2026, board presses for local-hire commitments

Assistant Superintendent Raphael Guzman and Executive Director of Construction Jordan Miles briefed the board on the multi-package Inglewood High School reconstruction. Miles said the project requires a full Environmental Impact Report because of potential impacts to traffic, noise, air quality and cultural resources, and "that work will be wrapped up this fall with final approval from the state anticipated in December. Once that approval has been received ... we can begin our demolition on site," he said, projecting demolition in early 2026 and main construction in spring 2026 with completion at the end of 2027.

The construction will be delivered in four packages: package one (demolition and five new buildings, 37 classrooms), package two (two classroom buildings focused on CTE and fine arts), package three (auditorium and gym upgrades), and package four (site development with turf and courts). Balfour Beatty representatives said current on-site work is abatement and preparation; major construction awaits state approvals and bid processes.

Board members repeatedly pressed general contractor representatives about local-hire outcomes and a project labor agreement. Contractors described subcontractor outreach efforts, compliance with prevailing wage and skilled-and-trained workforce ratios (target ~60%), and plans for community outreach events to attract local bidders. Board members and community speakers urged stronger commitments to prioritize black and brown residents for jobs and apprenticeships.

The board also noted the design team's decision to incorporate an existing community mural into the new site plan, a move members said preserved a local cultural element.