WLC Architects picked for Lindero expansion

Lindero Canyon Middle School in Agoura Hills will be the first to reap the benefits of the recently passed $128 million bond to improve facilities and update technology throughout the Las Virgenes Unified School District.

The school board approved the selection of WLC Architects to handle the expansion of the school, Deputy Superintendent Donald Zimring said.

Zimring said four firms were contenders for the job, after the board's facilities committee and district's Citizen's Construction Oversight Advisory Committee reviewed proposals from six architects.

WLC Architects, a Rancho Cucamonga firm, has worked with the district on many projects, including Willow Elementary School in Agoura Hills.

WLC principal architect Bob Hensley reminisced to board members about how the first students to attend Willow Elementary School are now 30 years old.

"Bob showed a commitment in delivering a jewel," Zimring said of Willow's design.

The 40-year-old Lindero campus will be expanded into the old Yerba Buena Elementary School site at a cost of approximately $20 million, Lindero Canyon Principal Ron Kaiser said.

"By having the entire campus as a middle school campus, it will give our middle school students the space that they need and will allow us the freedom to develop more powerful educational programs," Kaiser said.

The expansion includes a new science building and a two-story media center, Kaiser said.

Zimring said new "playscapes" and fields have been planned, and the counseling center and administration building will be expanded and renovated. All of the classrooms will be updated, Zimring said.

The district's overall vision includes a massive revamping of technology at all campuses and the district office.

In the fall, Zimring said 200 presentation systems will be delivered to classrooms districtwide.

"Everyone is very excited about having this equipment available for their classrooms in the fall," Zimring said.