The downtown skyline rises behind Edward R. Roybal Learning Center as it is readied for its first semester - years after construction began on what was then called the Belmont Learning Complex, which became a symbol of dysfunction for the Los Angeles Unified School District. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Pipes used to siphon methane gas from underground double as light poles throughout the campus. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
L.A. Unified environmental health and safety engineer Tom Dolan explains the system at Roybal that monitors and mitigates methane. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Social studies teacher Tina Kim wheels a cartload of supplies to a classroom. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
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New chairs sit on new tables in a Roybal science lab. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Tables are lined up beside see-through lockers in the band room. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Principal Scott Braxton embraces fellow Roybal administrator Eftihia Danellis. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
