Just in time for the new school year, the Los Angeles World Airports and the Inglewood Unified School District completed installation of new sound insulation at Beulah Payne Elementary School. The sound insulation project included classrooms, administrative buildings and the school’s multi-purpose auditorium.
“Los Angeles World Airports is pleased to fulfill its commitment to the students and staff of Beulah Payne Elementary School so they can begin their school year in newly soundproofed classrooms and administrative buildings,” said Samantha Bricker, chief environmental and sustainability officer, LAWA. “This is one of several school soundproofing projects that are being funded by LAWA for the benefit of local students and the community.”
The $2.8 million=project included the installation of new acoustic windows and doors, additional wall and ceiling insulation, updated heating ventilation and air conditioning systems, and other modifications intended to reduce interior noise levels. These measures are expected to reduce interior noise levels by 5 decibels and achieve interior noise levels at or below 45 decibels. Normal conversations range between 50 and 60 decibels. The new installations also allow more natural light into the classroom while reducing energy consumption.
“We are beyond pleased with the outcomes of our partnership with LAWA at Buelah Payne,” said Thelma Melendez, state administrator, IUSD. “It is our mission to provide our students with the best educational opportunities and these newly renovated facilities enhance our students everyday learning environment.”
LAWA funded the project through the Passenger Facility Charge at LAX. The Federal Aviation Administration approved the collection of the PFC and expenditure for this program, which fulfills a commitment made by LAWA to provide funding to IUSD for sound insulation.
The project is part of LAWA’s commitment to insulate four IUSD schools. Insulation work at Beulah Payne Elementary began in May 2018 concurrently with the construction of new buildings, and is the first of the four schools to have sound insulation work completed. Sound insulation projects at Monroe Middle School, Morningside High School, and Oak Street Elementary are ongoing.