March 2026 Kennedy Modernization and Construction Update

Lighting across our campuses has been upgraded to more energy-efficient systems helping us reduce energy consumption while keeping spaces well-lit for learning. The Board of Trustees approved Phase 2 of the District’s HVAC Upgrade Project that'll replace HVAC units that are more than 20 years old, adding air conditioning to classrooms, and installing upgraded control systems to improve energy efficiency and overall building management.

RCSD is continuing campus upgrades through its Energy Efficiency Project, including new energy-efficient lighting systems and planned HVAC improvements. Updated lighting uses motion and sound sensors to automatically adjust based on daylight and room use, helping reduce energy consumption across schools. In addition, Phase 2 HVAC upgrades will bring modern, climate-controlled classrooms to select schools beginning in Summer 2026, improving comfort and learning environments for students and staff.

At the November 20, 2024 Board Meeting, the Board of Trustees approved an Energy Services Agreement to upgrade lighting systems across the District. Kennedy is currently underway. This summer, the Bond Program Team also has been hard at work upgrading HVAC systems at Kennedy. 

During the October 16 Board Study Session, the Board of Trustees presented three conceptual scenarios outlining possible approaches for implementing Measure S projects identified in the Facilities Master Plan (FMP). 

The School Board approved two contracts that move forward permanent HVAC upgrades scheduled for summer 2026.

The School Board approved the next phase of permanent air conditioning upgrades—this time at Clifford, Kennedy, and Orion Alternative schools. Construction is set for summer 2026. The upgrades are funded by Measure S, thanks to Redwood City voters.

The plan charts the course for improving classrooms, infrastructure, and learning spaces across RCSD—identifying more than $819 million in needed repairs, upgrades, modernization, and construction over the next 8 to 10 years.

The Board of Trustees approved multiple initiatives aimed at improving climate control in local schools. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to optimize learning conditions for students across the district, a priority identified early last fall.

Developed since June 2024, the FMP outlines an estimated $777.8 million in identified facility needs, with $298 million available through Measure S bond funding.

Redwood City School District (RCSD) is gearing up for a new phase in its Facilities Master Plan (FMP) development process, inviting community members to engage in upcoming opportunities to provide feedback and shape the future of school facilities across the district.

The district expresses gratitude to the community for its continued support, emphasizing that these initiatives would not be possible without the support of Measure S, which voters approved in November of 2022.

The District Facilities Master Planning Committee reviewed all the feedback received from the school site committee during the first meeting and proposed potential solutions to enhance the campus and address the needs expressed by the school site committee.

In a move aimed at reducing both energy costs and the school district’s carbon footprint, Redwood City School District (RCSD) will undergo a comprehensive lighting retrofit across its facilities.

The District Facilities Master Planning Committee recently held its first meeting to receive input from the Kennedy School Site Committee. 

The School Board gave the green light for the expansion during its November 6 meeting, building on the success of Phase 1 and positioning RCSD as a leader in both environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility. 

The HVAC upgrade project is made possible through Measure S, a $298 million bond measure approved by RCSD voters in 2022.

The Board directed the Bond program management team to prioritize quick-start projects, focusing on cooling systems in classrooms without air conditioning.

Families, staff, and community members are playing a key role in shaping the future of their local school campuses by participating in these committees.

In the spring, the Board directed the Bond program management team to prioritize quick-start projects, focusing heavily on adding cooling systems to classrooms without AC.

The performance audit revealed a positive assessment of the district's management, with no significant problems or disagreements identified. Spending on bond projects was found to align with what voters approved, ensuring accountability and transparency. Additionally, the audit confirmed that payroll and procurement procedures adhere to legal requirements, and no significant accounting issues or unreported financial problems were discovered. Overall, the audit concluded that the bond funds are well-managed and used appropriately.