Schools
Lum Elementary: School Board Votes To Remove Students
Studies have concluded that the school would be unsafe in an earthquake. New school assignments will be made the first week of June.
ALAMEDA, CA — The Alameda Unified School District Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday night to remove students from the Lum Elementary School campus for the 2017-18 school year.
Three geotechnical engineering firms, two structural engineering firms, and an architectural firm all concluded the Lum cannot withstand the significant soil liquefaction that is likely to occur in the event of a strong earthquake. A partial or total building collapse is predicted, prompting structural engineers to recommended that students be moved off the campus.
“This has been a difficult process for all,” said Board President Gary Lym. “As board members we have listened carefully to the voices of families and teachers who don’t want to leave this campus. But as board members we also cannot ignore the scientific findings and recommendations of firms that have significant experience with K-12 facilities in earthquake country and with state rules and regulations that govern school site safety.
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“It’s important for all of us to remember that we aren’t closing the school permanently,” he added. “We are relocating our children, staff, and parent volunteers to safer facilities while our community and school district explore options to resolve seismic conditions and liquefaction risks at the site.”
District staff are working on a plan to assign Lum students who will be in grades K-3 to nearby elementary schools. The School Board directed staff to explore the possibility of moving 4th and 5th graders to a separate, elementary program on the Wood Middle School campus.
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Lum families will receive their new school assignments the first week of June.
“I know this is extremely hard, and I know some families will be unhappy with this decision,” said Superintendent Sean McPhetridge. “But as a public school district, we have a legal, moral, and professional duty to protect the safety of students and staff.”
Lum Principal Jesse Woodward will be recommended for appointment as the new principal of Ruby Bridges Elementary School while the district is working on plans to reassign Lum teachers.
-Image via Google Street View
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