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2025-26 Measure S Progress

Thanks to the continued support of Redwood City voters, Redwood City School District (RCSD) made progress during the 2025-26 school year through its School Construction and Modernization Program.

The program is funded through two voter-approved local bond measures: Measure T, approved by voters in 2015, and Measure S, approved by voters in 2022. Together, these bond measures provide funding to modernize aging facilities, improve learning environments, address critical infrastructure needs, expand sustainability initiatives, and create safe, inspiring schools for current and future generations of students.

During the 2025-26 school year, the district advanced major projects focused on classroom safety and comfort, renewable energy, campus modernization, and long-range facilities planning.

Improving Classroom Comfort and Safety

In recent years, classroom temperatures have been one of the most common concerns expressed by students, staff, and families.

Funded through Measure S, RCSD continued implementation of its districtwide Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) modernization program designed to provide permanent heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems across district campuses

The installation of exterior HVAC units and their wiring near completion.

During the 2025-26 school year, the district completed Phase I HVAC construction at:

  • Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School

  • Hoover Community School

  • Roosevelt School

  • Taft Community School

HVAC systems help regulate indoor temperatures, improve air circulation, and create healthier learning environments. These improvements provide a long-term solution to maintaining comfortable classrooms throughout the year, particularly during periods of extreme heat.

The Board of Trustees also approved Phase II HVAC modernization, taking place during summer 2026 at:

  • Clifford School
  • Kennedy Middle School
  • Orion Alternative Elementary School

In addition, Henry Ford Elementary School and Roy Cloud School have been approved for Phase III HVAC modernization, currently scheduled for Summer 2027.

These investments support student learning by creating classroom environments where students can remain focused, comfortable, and engaged throughout the school day.

Modernizing Lighting Across Every School

RCSD finalized implementation of its districtwide lighting modernization project, replacing outdated lighting systems with energy-efficient LED fixtures across all schools and district facilities.

Many of the district’s existing light fixtures were nearing the end of their useful life and relied on older fluorescent technology that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and replace. The project supports compliance with California Assembly Bill 2208, which phases out certain compact fluorescent lamps while improving lighting quality in classrooms, offices, libraries, multipurpose rooms, and outdoor spaces.

Kennedy Gym After Lighting Project

The new LED lighting systems provide several benefits:

  • Improved visibility and classroom lighting for students and staff
  • Reduced maintenance costs due to longer fixture life
  • Lower energy consumption and utility costs
  • Enhanced campus safety through improved indoor and outdoor lighting
  • Reduced environmental impact through greater energy efficiency

The district expects the lighting upgrades to reduce lighting-related energy consumption by approximately 52 percent and generate an estimated $200,000 in annual utility savings.

While less visible than major construction projects, lighting modernization represents an important investment in creating safe, efficient, and comfortable learning environments across every RCSD campus.

Expanding Solar Energy Through Measure T

RCSD continued implementation of Phase II of its districtwide solar energy program funded through Measure T.

Solar Panel Progress at Taft Community School

The district completed the first phase of solar construction during the 2019-20 school year at:

  • Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School
  • Clifford School
  • Roosevelt School
  • District Office

Building on that work, Phase II solar construction began during the 2025-26 school year and will continue into the 2026-27 school year at:

  • Garfield Community School 
  • Henry Ford Elementary School
  • Hoover Community School
  • Kennedy Middle School
  • McKinley Institute of Technology and North Star Academy
  • Orion Alternative Elementary School
  • Roy Cloud School 
  • Taft Community School

Solar energy systems generate clean, renewable electricity directly on school campuses. By reducing the district’s reliance on traditional utility providers, these systems help lower operating costs and create long-term a savings that can be redirected to support students and educational programs.

The solar expansion is projected to generate approximately $21.1 million in utility savings over 25 years, including an estimated $762,000 in savings during the first year of operation. Together, these projects support RCSD's commitment to environmental sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and long-term stewardship of public resources.

Strenghtening School Infrastructure

In addition to major construction projects, RCSD continued investing in the infrastructure that supports safe, reliable, and efficient school operations. These improvements included electrical upgrades needed to support new HVAC systems and solar installations, lighting modernization projects, building system improvements, and other facility enhancements that help campuses operate more effectively.

Although many of these projects occur behind the scenes, they are critical to maintaining safe, functional schools and extending the life of district facilities. Together, these investments help ensure students and staff have access to reliable, well-maintained learning environments every day.

Strengthening Communication and Community Engagement

Transparency and community engagement remain central components of the School Construction and Modernization Program.

Throughout the school year, RCSD continued its Modernization in Motion newsletter series, providing regular updates about project milestones, construction schedules, and campus improvements.

Families and community members received updates through:

  • School-specific Measure S Bond Blogs
  • Modernization in Motion stories
  • Community presentations
  • Social media and digital communications

These efforts help ensure residents can easily follow project progress and understand how local bond dollars are being invested in neighborhood schools.

Follow the Measure S Projects Progress

Looking Ahead

As RCSD enters the 2026-27 school year, construction and modernization efforts will continue across the district.

Phase II HVAC construction will begin at Clifford School, Kennedy Middle School, and Orion Alternative Elementary School during Summer 2026. Planning and design work will also continue for Phase III HVAC modernization at Henry Ford Elementary School and Roy Cloud School, scheduled for Summer 2027.

Solar construction, funded through Measure T, will continue at Henry Ford, Hoover, Kennedy, McKinley Institute of Technology, North Star Academy, Orion Alternative, and Taft, bringing additional renewable energy capacity and long-term utility savings to the district.

Together, Measure T and Measure S are helping RCSD create safe, modern, sustainable learning environments that support student success today and for generations to come.