NORWALK-LA MIRADA : Surplus Schools Needed for Future, Study Shows

The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District should not sell its six surplus campuses because it will have more students than classroom space by the next decade, researchers have concluded.

The study by Omega Group Inc., predicted that enrollment will surpass 29,000 in 2003, compared to a current enrollment of about 19,700. However, the report states, the district has some time to prepare because enrollment growth should be modest for about three years before experiencing a sharp upturn. The district operates 16 elementary schools, six middle schools and four high schools, which can accommodate a combined total of about 27,600 students.