Crews Sent to Clean Up Unfinished School

Responding to complaints about an unfinished school that has become an eyesore, school district officials said they are trying to improve security and eliminate graffiti on the structure.

The $9.7-million Jefferson Elementary School has remained unfinished for nearly three years because of a dispute between the contractor and the Los Angeles Unified School District.

A Times article Monday reported that the half-completed school has become a haven for transients and vandals who have covered the walls and foundation with graffiti.

Neighbors have repeatedly complained about the school’s lax security and flimsy fencing, which allow children to get into the site to climb on the structure and play among the open ditches at the site.

In a memo Monday to school board members, Beth Louagand, general manager for facilities, said the district has replaced a portion of the fencing and has instructed crews to paint over the graffiti. The 24-hour security firm at the site has also been asked to increase security.

The district has sent crews to the site to clear away knee-high weeds. But on Wednesday, graffiti were back on the freshly painted walls and foundation of the building.