AUSD Announces Next Steps in Lum Seismic Analysis

From Alameda Unified School District: Alameda Unified School District announced the next steps for the analysis and decision-making process on the seismic issues at Lum Elementary School. The district had announced prior that the site has a high risk for liquefaction in the event of an earthquake and so Lum students and staff may need to be relocated for the start of the next school year.

“At the special Board of Education meeting on April 28, the board heard from district staff, consultants, and the Lum community,” said Superintendent Sean McPhetridge. “As a result of the feedback we heard from community stakeholders and board members, Board President Gary Lym and I have decided the board should postpone its decision on Lum to May 23, so that more information can be gathered.

“Meanwhile, AUSD staff will propose potential relocation plans at the May 9 Board of Education meeting to continue our efforts to inform the public as to what we know and how we can plan for whatever decision is made on May 23,” McPhetridge added.

Over the weekend, the superintendent also heard from Lum’s PTA president and parent leaders that a parent advisory committee had been formed to look into the issue. “The board looks forward to hearing the ideas and input of the parent committee,” McPhetridge said, “and both the board and staff appreciate the parents’ efforts to organize themselves.”

According to engineers hired by the school district to analyze the seismic safety of the Lum Elementary School campus before two classrooms were to be built there, the high risk of liquefaction on the campus combined with a shallow foundation means the buildings could sink and/or partially collapse in the event of a strong earthquake. The structural engineer recommends that the district make plans to house students in different facilities.

A group of parent/guardians and teachers opposes the potential closure and has asked for more information regarding the soil and structural engineers’ methodology and findings. District staff are currently researching those questions.

The public can find up-to-date press releases, FAQs, and meeting information for the situation at Lum Elementary School on the district’s website.

Image via Pixabay