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As Summer 2025 Approaches, District Advances Climate Control Projects Across Schools by Quickly Approving Final Steps for Implementation

As Summer 2025 Approaches, District Advances Climate Control Projects Across Schools by Quickly Approving Final Steps for Implementation

In a move to enhance classroom environments, the Redwood City School District (RCSD) 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. 

During the Board’s regular meeting on May 14, 2025, the Board granted the following approvals to advance projects:

Board Approves Window Treatments to Help Cool Classrooms at Several Schools

As part of its continued focus on improving classroom learning conditions, the Board approved the installation of window treatments and tinting at eight school sites: Clifford, Garfield, Henry Ford, Hoover, Kennedy, McKinley Institute of Technology (MIT), North Star, and Roosevelt.

This project is part of a broader effort to make classrooms more comfortable while the district works on long-term air conditioning upgrades. By reducing heat and glare from the sun, these window treatments will provide quick relief for students and staff during warmer months.

The total cost of the project is $279,136, funded through Measure S, the school bond measure dedicated to modernizing and improving school facilities.

Inspector Selected to Help Oversee Upcoming HVAC Projects

As part of RCSD’s effort to upgrade classroom air conditioning, the Board approved the selection of MWC Associates as the Inspector of Record (IOR) for HVAC construction projects scheduled for summer 2025 at Adelante Selby, Hoover, Roosevelt, and Taft schools.

This role—required by the state—is critical to ensuring construction meets safety and quality standards set by California’s Division of the State Architect (DSA). Hiring this inspector keeps the district on track to begin work as soon as final state approvals are received. The inspector’s contract is funded through Measure S, with a total cost of $75,000.

Board Approves Construction Partner for Upcoming School Air Conditioning Projects

The School Board approved a key agreement with Blach Construction to begin preparing for permanent air conditioning upgrades at Adelante Selby, Hoover, Roosevelt, and Taft schools.

The agreement—worth $416,859—covers important early steps such as planning, ordering long-lead equipment, and getting ready for installation work scheduled for summer 2025. This early preparation helps keep the project on schedule. The work is funded through Measure S.

Purchase of Mobile Air Conditioning Units for District Facilities Leased to Charter Schools:

Recognizing the urgency of comfortable learning spaces for all Redwood City children, the Board approved the purchase of additional mobile air conditioning units for RCSD-owned facilities currently leased to charter schools. This includes 2950 Fair Oaks Ave. and 909 Roosevelt Ave., both in Redwood City. This decision, stemming from previous Board approvals, ensures immediate relief until permanent HVAC upgrades are completed.

Thanks to the voters who approved Measure S in November 2022, RCSD is moving forward with critical improvements to school facilities. Measure S provides $298 million to modernize campuses and enhance learning environments. These recent actions represent an important step in upgrading infrastructure while putting student and staff comfort and well-being first. The district remains committed to creating high-quality educational spaces that foster student success and strengthen community connections.

Get Caught Up with Other Recent Orion Alternative Updates:

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Orion Alternative Logo

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.

Read More about March 2026 Orion Alternativea Modernization and Construction Update
Orion Alternative Logo

RCSD is upgrading campuses through its Energy Efficiency Project with new 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. 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.

Read More about January 2026 Orion Alternativea Modernization and Construction Update
Orion Alternative Logo

At the November 20, 2024 Board Meeting, the Board of Trustees approved an Energy Services Agreement to upgrade lighting systems across the District. Orion School is currently underway. The Board of Trustees approved Phase 2 of the District’s HVAC Upgrade projects, which will take place at Kennedy Middle School, Orion Alternative School, and Clifford School. 
 

Read More about November 2025 Orion Alternativea Modernization and Construction Update
Construction Plans

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). 

Read More about Following HVAC Upgrades and Lighting Improvements, District Begins Facilities Plan Implementation Talks
HVAC System

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.

Read More about As Summer 2025 Approaches, District Advances Climate Control Projects Across Schools by Quickly Approving Final Steps for Implementation