In April and May of 2017, the Board received reports from two structural engineering firms, two geotechnical engineering firms, and its master architects regarding the risks posed to Lum Elementary due to possible liquefaction of soil in the event of a major earthquake. The Board also heard presentations from staff regarding the feasibility of relocating students and staff. The Board also heard from members of the Lum Elementary community who were concerned about the future of Lum Elementary and whether the risk posed to Lum Elementary warrants relocation of students to other sites.
On May 23, 2017, the Board decided to relocate Lum Elementary students and staff to other school sites and not return students or staff to Lum Elementary without future Board approval. The Board also directed staff to seek information regarding the cost and timeline for any repair or replacement of Lum Elementary.
On January 23, 2018, representatives from Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and ZFA Structural Engineers provided cost and timeline estimates to the Board for possible remediation or replacement of the existing buildings at Lum Elementary School. At its meeting, the Board requested staff hold a community meeting to hear and respond to community ideas/questions before deciding whether to refer the facility to the District Advisory Committee.
On May 31, 2018, staff and Lum parent leaders along with representatives from QKA and ZFA Structural Engineers held this community meeting where they presented information on the logistics and costs of repairing or replacing Lum, including options suggested by the community.
Should the Board decide to pursue replacement or remediation of the Lum Elementary building, it will take further action during future open session meetings. If the Board decides not to pursue replacement or remediation of the Lum Elementary building at this time, the matter may be referred to the District Advisory Committee to review and analyze and to determine if the Lum Elementary property could be designated as “excess” or “surplus” because it will not be needed for school purposes.
Following the presentation of this information, staff is requesting direction from the Board on next steps.