Title
Define and Approve 23 Shade Structure Over Play Equipment Projects and Amend the Facilities Services Division Strategic Execution Plan to Incorporate Therein
Facilities Services Division
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Brief Description:
description
(Define and Approve 23 Shade Structure Over Play Equipment Projects and Amend the Facilities Services Division Strategic Execution Plan to Incorporate Therein) Recommends definition and approval of 23 Shade Structure Over Play Equipment Projects, as detailed in Exhibit A (Projects) and amend the Facilities Services Division (Facilities) Strategic Execution Plan (SEP) to incorporate the projects with a combined budget of $17,470,527.
Additionally, authorize the Chief Procurement Officer, Chief Facilities Executive, and/or designee(s) to take all legally permissible actions necessary to implement the projects, including executing required instruments, budget modifications, and procurement of equipment and materials.
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Recommendation
Action Proposed:
1. Define and approve 23 Shade Structure Over Play Equipment Projects, as listed on Exhibit A, and amend the Facilities SEP to incorporate therein. The total combined budget for these proposed Projects is $17,470,527.
2. Authorize the Chief Procurement Officer, Chief Facilities Executive, and/or their designee(s) to execute all reasonable instruments, as legally permissible, to implement the proposed Projects including budget modifications and procurement of equipment and materials.
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Body
Background:
On August 7, 2024, the Board of Education (Board) adopted a resolution ordering an election on November 5, 2024, to authorize the issuance of school bonds (Measure US). The same action approved the Proposed 2024 Bond Priorities, Funding Targets, and Implementation Strategies for Measure US, which help guide the identification of sites and development of project proposals. The School Upgrade Program (SUP), representing the current phase of the bond program, was updated to incorporate these priorities, funding targets, and implementation strategies after the approval of Measure US by voters. These included, among other priorities, the development of projects to provide shade structures over playground equipment to mitigate heat and improve the quality of outdoor environments for students.
The District plans to deliver shade structure over play equipment projects at approximately 49 campuses, with each Board District anticipated to receive projects at seven schools, representing a total investment of approximately $40 million. Schools with a 2025-2026 enrollment of 250 students or more and the highest Student Equity Need Index (SENI) scores are prioritized in efforts to benefit the greatest number of students while considering socio-economic factors. Projects are systematically planned for Board action in phases through the first quarter of 2027. The Board approved the first phase of seven projects on June 12, 2026, and the 23 proposed Projects represent the second phase.
Bond Oversight Committee Recommendations:
This item was considered by the School Construction Bond Citizens’ Oversight Committee (BOC) at its meeting on October 29, 2026, as referenced in Exhibit B. The presentation that was provided is included as Exhibit C. Staff have concluded that this proposed Facilities SEP amendment is in alignment with BOC recommendations and will facilitate the Los Angeles Unified School District’s (Los Angeles Unified or District) ability to successfully implement the Facilities SEP.
Expected Outcomes:
Staff anticipates that the Board of Education will adopt the proposed amendment to the Facilities SEP to define and approve the 23 proposed Projects. Approval will authorize staff to proceed with the implementation of the proposed Projects to improve student health, safety, and educational quality.
Board Options and Consequences:
Adoption of the proposed action will authorize staff to proceed with the expenditure of Bond Program funds to undertake the proposed Projects in accordance with the provisions set forth in Los Angeles Unified local bond measures K, R, Y, Q, RR, and US.
If the proposed action is not approved, Bond Program funds will not be expended, and the efforts to mitigate playground heat will remain unaddressed.
Policy Implications:
The proposal is consistent with Los Angeles Unified’s long-term goal to address unmet school facilities needs as described in local bond measures. The proposed action advances Los Angeles Unified’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, Pillar 4 Operational Effectiveness, Modernizing Infrastructure by providing shade structures over play equipment at schools. Moreover, the Projects support the Board Resolution on Resilient Schools: Extreme Heat Mitigation & Disaster Preparedness at LAUSD.
Budget Impact:
The total combined budget for the 23 proposed Projects is $17,470,527 and will be funded with Bond Program funds targeted in the SUP for major modernizations, upgrades, and reconfigurations to school campuses.
The project budgets identified in the footnote for Exhibit A include a contribution to install new playground matting and/or adjust play equipment to fit the shade structure above. The project budgets for Serrania Charter for Enriched Studies, Liggett Elementary School, and South Park Elementary School include an additional contribution to upgrade existing play structures. The contributions total $2,253,700 from Bond Program funds targeted in the SUP for critical replacements which will be transferred to funds targeted in the SUP for major modernizations, upgrades, and reconfigurations to school campuses.
Each project budget was prepared based on the current information known and assumptions about the proposed project scopes, site conditions, and market conditions. Individual project budgets will be reviewed as new information becomes known or unforeseen conditions arise, and will be adjusted accordingly to enable the successful completion of each project.
Student Impact:
Approval of the proposed Projects enables the District to continue ongoing efforts to undertake facilities improvements that help ensure the approximately 10,300 current and future students attending these 23 schools are provided with safe and healthy outdoor play areas that offer shade to mitigate heat.
Issues and Analysis:
It may be necessary to undertake feasibility studies, site analysis, scoping, and/or due diligence activities on the proposed Projects. The Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) will evaluate the proposed Projects in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to ensure compliance.
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Shade Structure Over Play Equipment Projects
Exhibit B - BOC Resolution
Exhibit C - BOC Presentation
Submitted:
10/19/26