GRANADA HILLS : Architects Named for 2 Damaged Schools

El Camino Real and Kennedy high school administrators were relieved Tuesday to learn that architects have been selected to begin repairing the earthquake-damaged campuses--the hardest-hit high schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

The Board of Education on Monday swiftly approved $5.3 million for two architecture firms to conduct studies and supervise construction at the two West Valley schools. The schools, closed for six weeks after the Jan. 17 quake, received structural, architectural and cosmetic damage.

Kennedy in Granada Hills sustained the worst structural damage in its administration building, which might need to be razed and rebuilt. Classroom buildings also received serious damage and need to be upgraded to meet current seismic safety codes, officials said.

El Camino in Woodland Hills sustained architectural damage to its classrooms, in which walls shook loose. Ceiling tiles and light fixtures also were broken and need to be replaced. While the school did not sustain structural damage, officials said the walls were in danger of collapsing.

Most classes at the two schools are still being held in portable classrooms. Classroom buildings remain cordoned off and Kennedy’s three-story administration building cannot be entered, leaving administrators without some records, including those of students.

“Everyone’s coping, but it’s hard to be out of your regular element,” said Nancy Park, assistant principal at El Camino. “I think we would really like to be back in our regular environment. I’m glad to hear that (the board action) has happened.”