Title
Define and Approve Three Early Education Center Outdoor Classroom Projects and Amend the Facilities Services Division Strategic Execution Plan to Incorporate Therein
Facilities Services Division and Early Childhood Education Division
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description
Brief Description:
(Define and Approve Three Early Education Center Outdoor Classroom Projects and Amend the Facilities Services Division Strategic Execution Plan to Incorporate Therein) Recommends definition and approval of three projects to provide outdoor classrooms at early education centers, as detailed in Exhibit A. Also recommends amending the Facilities Services Division Strategic Execution Plan to include these projects, with a combined budget of $4,198,776, and authorizes the Chief Procurement Officer, Chief Facilities Executive, or designee(s) to take all legally permissible actions to implement the projects, including executing instruments, budget modifications, and procurement of necessary equipment and materials.
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Recommendation
Action Proposed:
Define and approve three Early Education Center (EEC) Outdoor Classroom Projects (Projects), as listed on Exhibit A, and amend the Facilities Services Division (Facilities) Strategic Execution Plan (SEP) to incorporate therein. The total combined budget for these proposed Projects is $4,198,776.
Authorize the Chief Procurement Officer and/or the Chief Facilities Executive and/or their designee(s) to execute all instruments necessary, as legally permissible, to implement the proposed Projects, including budget modifications, and the purchase of equipment and materials.
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Body
Background:
The Los Angeles Unified School District (Los Angeles Unified or District) School Upgrade Program includes a spending target entitled "Early Childhood Education Facilities Upgrades and Expansions." Projects developed under this category of need are included in the Facilities SEP.
The proposed Projects will provide outdoor classrooms by dividing the existing playground areas into distinct activity areas with paving, new playground matting, and landscaping. The intent of the proposed Projects is to create dynamic, nature-based outdoor learning spaces to enable the District's youngest learners to acquire a deep, intuitive understanding of the natural world through hands-on experiences. The outdoor classrooms may include learning stations with the following components:
• Music and movement
• Climbing and balance
• Messy materials
• Nature art
• Water play
• Sand play
• Garden
• Dirt digging
• Building materials
Bond Oversight Committee Recommendations:
This item was considered by the School Construction Bond Citizens’ Oversight Committee (BOC) at its meeting on November 6, 2025, as referenced in Exhibit B. The presentation that was provided is included as Exhibit C. Staff has concluded that this proposed Facilities SEP amendment is in alignment with BOC recommendations and will facilitate Los Angeles Unified’s ability to successfully implement the Facilities SEP.
Expected Outcomes:
Staff anticipates the Board of Education will define and approve the proposed Projects, as described in Exhibit A, and amend the Facilities SEP to incorporate therein. Approval will authorize staff to proceed with the implementation of the proposed Projects.
Board Options and Consequences:
Adoption of the proposed action will authorize staff to proceed with the expenditure of Bond Program funds to implement the proposed Projects. If the proposal is not approved, Bond Program funds will not be expended and access to nature-based green space will remain limited.
Policy Implications:
This action is consistent with the District’s commitment to address unmet school facilities needs and provide students with a safe and healthy learning environment. The proposed action advances Los Angeles Unified’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan Pillar 4 Operational Effectiveness Modernizing Infrastructure by providing capital improvements at schools.
Budget Impact:
The total combined budget for the proposed Projects is $4,198,776. The proposed Projects will be funded with Bond Program funds earmarked specifically for Early Childhood Education facilities upgrades and expansions.
Each budget for the proposed Projects was prepared based on the current information known and assumptions about their proposed scope, site conditions, and market conditions. Individual budgets for the proposed Projects will be reviewed throughout the planning, design, and construction phases as new information becomes known and/or unforeseen conditions arise, and will be adjusted accordingly to enable the successful completion of each of the proposed Projects.
Student Impact:
The proposed Projects will establish nurturing, nature-based outdoor spaces that support whole-child development and learning to benefit approximately 440 current and future students.
Expected developmental outcomes include enhanced imaginative play, increased physical and mental well-being, and environmental stewardship. These outdoor classrooms will encourage and support community, student, and parent engagement through the creation of partnerships that help establish and maintain the newly developed garden spaces. These spaces can also reduce stress for staff, families, and children. Children and their parents will be able to connect with the natural world as a regular part of their healthy growth and development in the areas that lack parks and green environments.
Equity Impact:
The proposed Projects were identified by the Early Childhood Education Division (ECED) in consultation with Regions and school site administrators. Sites were selected based upon each center's proximity and access to existing community green space, and evidence of parent, administrator, and staff commitment to the success of the program. Other factors considered included income level, center enrollment, community interest, and demographics.
Issues and Analysis:
Staff’s proposal supports ECED’s commitment to providing a quality early education experience that will prepare students for success in school and life, while valuing and respecting the needs, languages, and cultures of all students, families, staff, and respective communities.
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety will evaluate the Projects’ proposals in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act to ensure compliance. If through the planning and design process, it is determined that the proposed Projects’ scopes will not sufficiently address the facilities needs identified, the Projects’ scope, schedule, and budget will be revised accordingly.
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Early Education Center Outdoor Classroom Projects
Exhibit B - BOC Resolution
Exhibit C - BOC Presentation
Submitted:
10/23/25
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, APPROVED BY:
______________________________ _____________________________
ALBERTO M. CARVALHO PEDRO SALCIDO
Superintendent Deputy Superintendent
Business Services and Operations
REVIEWED BY: APPROVED BY:
______________________________ ______________________________
DEVORA NAVERA REED KRISZTINA TOKES
General Counsel Chief Facilities Executive
Facilities Services Division
___ Approved as to form.
REVIEWED BY: APPROVED BY:
______________________________ ______________________________
KURT E. JOHN PIA C. SADAQATMAL
Deputy Chief Financial Officer Chief of Transitional Programs
Office of Transitional Programs
___ Approved as to budget impact statement.
PRESENTED BY: APPROVED BY:
______________________________ ______________________________
MARK CHO RANAE J. AMEZQUITA
Deputy Director of Facilities Executive Director
Maintenance and Operations Early Childhood Education Division
Facilities Services Division