HVAC Upgrades Set to Begin Summer 2025

Redwood City School District (RCSD) is set to launch a district-wide effort to upgrade HVAC systems starting in the summer of 2025. These upgrades will replace outdated equipment, improve energy efficiency, and add climate-controlled environments to enhance indoor air quality and comfort for students and staff across all RCSD schools.

The first phase of the project will begin with four schools: Adelante Selby, Hoover, Roosevelt, and Taft. These campuses have been selected for initial upgrades, with work scheduled to start during the summer break to minimize disruption to school operations.

The HVAC upgrade project is made possible through Measure S, a $298 million bond measure approved by RCSD voters in 2022. The funds will be used in Phase 2 of the district’s comprehensive modernization plan that includes infrastructure improvements across all schools.

“This project simply wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our community through Measure S,” explained Superintendent Dr. John Baker.

“We are deeply grateful to the voters for believing in the future of our students. Thanks to their commitment, we can provide modern, comfortable, and safe learning environments.”

The schools chosen for the first phase of HVAC upgrades were prioritized following a district-wide assessment conducted by the team managing RCSD’s Bond program. This evaluation helped identify which sites were best suited for the initial round of improvements.

These four campuses were selected because they require fewer electrical and structural upgrades, allowing the district to begin work more quickly. By focusing on schools needing minimal infrastructure modifications, RCSD can ensure the project stays on schedule while maintaining the highest safety and efficiency standards.

During the School Board meeting on November 6, several Trustees advocated for more schools, possibly five campuses, to be upgraded in the same timeframe, but logistical challenges related to planning, design, and securing contractors and supplies made this impractical.

Schools that require more extensive infrastructure modifications will be addressed in future phases. In the meantime, the district will use additional temporary measures, such as installing blinds, window tinting, and mobile cooling units for classrooms that will be included in the next group of schools. 

Project Scope and Objectives

The HVAC upgrades at Adelante Selby, Hoover, Roosevelt, and Taft aim to replace aging systems with modern, energy-efficient units that include cooling capabilities. This will not only improve indoor comfort, but also reduce maintenance costs and enhance energy efficiency. The project aligns with RCSD’s commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable learning environments for all students.

Financial Overview and Timeline

The HVAC upgrades will be funded through Measure S bond dollars, with a total budget of $21 million allocated for the four schools. The breakdown is as follows:

• Adelante Selby: $477,500 for design and $4.5 million for construction 
• Hoover School: $577,500 for design and $5.5 million for construction 
• Roosevelt School: $477,500 for design and $4.5 million for construction 
• Taft School: $477,500 for design and $4.5 million for construction 

The upgrades will be completed during the summer of 2025 to minimize disruption to school operations. 

This summer 2025 project marks the first step in a broader district effort to modernize all HVAC systems across the school district, with more schools expected to follow.