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District Moves Quickly to Address Classroom Heat with Immediate and Long-Term Solutions

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District Moves Quickly to Address Classroom Heat with Immediate and Long-Term Solutions

The Redwood City School District (RCSD) Board of Trustees is moving swiftly to address the absence of air conditioning in over 300 classrooms across the district. During the September 11, 2024, meeting, the Board received an update outlining both immediate and long-term solutions. Here’s a breakdown of the key developments:

Board Directive and Facilities Master Plan (FMP)

Board Directive: In the spring of 2024, the Board directed the Bond program management team to prioritize quick-start projects, focusing on cooling systems in classrooms without air conditioning.

Facilities Master Plan: For the first time in a decade, the district is updating its Facilities Master Plan (FMP) to reflect the changing needs of schools. One critical example is the increased demand for cooling systems due to rising temperatures driven by climate change.

Immediate Cooling Solutions

The district is implementing temporary heat-mitigation measures, including window film/tinting, though it's not compatible with all windows. In cases where tinting won't work, roller shades are being considered as an alternative. The facilities team is reviewing window types in the hottest classrooms to determine the best solution for each room.

The district is committed to rolling out these measures as fast as possible. “We’ve got to get the classrooms comfortable; the students can’t learn, and the teachers can’t teach,” Trustee Alisa MacAvoy emphasized.

Permanent Cooling Solutions

Permanent Plan: Construction of permanent HVAC systems are planned to begin in summer 2025, targeting the first group of schools. The permanent plan will involve substantial upgrades, including:

  • Enhancing electrical distribution systems at all campuses
  • Structural upgrades to support new systems
  • Fire alarm upgrades and new ductwork
  • The possibility of upgrades to the roof, depending on each school site

The estimated budget for each campus ranges from $5.5 million to $7 million.

Classroom Prioritization

The district will prioritize classrooms most in need, focusing on those with the hottest temperatures and classrooms that are most prepared for power upgrades. This targeted approach will ensure that relief is provided as quickly and effectively as possible.

Campus Matrix for Summer 2025 Construction:

The district will prioritize schools based on:

  • Readiness for electrical power system upgrades
  • Severity of classroom temperatures
  • Roofing and fire alarm conditions
  • Overall streamlining for quick implementation

Next Steps:

September 2024:

  • Planned roll-out of thermometers across campuses to monitor temperatures
  • Installation of temporary heat-mitigation measures begins

October 2024:

Final determination of the scope for Phase I of HVAC installations

November 2024 - January 2025:

HVAC design for Phase I schools will be integrated with the updated Facilities Master Plan and the district’s solar energy plan

Long-Term Commitment

This effort is part of Phase II of the district’s School Modernization and Construction Program, which is funded by Measure S as approved by voters in November of 2022.

RCSD remains committed to addressing current challenges, including climate change, while aligning facilities with modern educational needs. The district’s goal is to ensure that Redwood City schools provide safe, comfortable learning environments for students and staff, now and in the future.