Enhancing HVAC Systems in School Upgrades

In the ever-evolving world of education, comfort and safety in the learning environment are paramount. Recognizing this, Long Beach Unified School District has taken significant strides to enhance classroom conditions by installing new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems across our schools. Thanks to the funding provided by Measure E bonds, this transformative initiative is not just about keeping students cool; it’s a strategic response to climate challenges and an investment in the future of education.

Why HVAC Matters
The importance of HVAC systems in schools cannot be overstated. These systems are crucial for maintaining optimal indoor temperatures, ensuring good air quality, and providing a comfortable learning environment. In an era where extreme weather patterns and poor air quality days are becoming more frequent, the role of HVAC systems extends beyond mere comfort. They are essential for:

• Health and Well-being: Proper ventilation and air conditioning help filter out pollutants, allergens, and harmful particles, contributing to better respiratory health for students and staff.
• Enhanced Learning: Studies have shown that students perform better in environments with controlled temperatures and good air quality. Comfortable classrooms improve concentration, reduce stress, and increase overall academic performance.
• Energy Efficiency: Modern HVAC systems are designed to be energy efficient, reducing the overall carbon footprint of schools and contributing to a greener planet.

Accelerating the Plan

Originally planned for a more extended rollout, the installation of HVAC systems in LBUSD schools was accelerated in response to record-setting temperatures and the increasing frequency of extreme heat and poor air quality days. This proactive approach ensures that students and staff are protected from the adverse effects of extreme weather sooner than initially planned.

School-by-School Rollout

The district’s commitment to this initiative is evident in the accelerated timeline:

Key Milestones

Air Conditioned Schools before Measure E:

Schools Completed To-Date Under Measure E: 

 

• Nearing Completion: Birney Elementary School, Emerson Elementary School and Gompers Elementary School.

• This Summer: Millikan High School, Gant Elementary School and Tincher Preparatory School will begin HVAC projects.

• Following Year: Five additional LBUSD campuses will start AC installations: Henry Elementary School, Hoover Middle School, Carver Elementary School, Marshall Academy of the Arts, Los Cerritos Elementary School.

• Next Three Years: After wrapping up with Sato, Tucker, and Washington Middle School, all district schools will have new air conditioning systems, with the exception of Polytechnic High School.

• 2028: Polytechnic High School will begin its Poly HVAC installation soon; however, completion is scheduled for 2028, aligning with the broader campus transformation necessitating building teardown and rebuild.

 

With HVAC installations now completed at 71 of our 84 schools, we remain committed to addressing the needs of the 13 schools currently in progress. To effectively manage heat and ensure a comfortable learning environment for those sites, we are implementing several heat mitigation measures for the 2024-25 school year.

• Chilled Water Dispensers: All classrooms without AC have new chilled water dispensers (similar to an Arrowhead or Sparkletts water dispenser). The water in these dispensers will be replenished on a routine schedule.
• Classroom Window Coverings: Window coverings have been replaced or repaired in all classrooms without AC. Window coverings create a barrier between the indoor and outdoor environment, limiting exterior heat in the classroom.
• Classroom Fans: All classrooms without AC have portable fans. Large pedestal fans for hallways and additional classroom fans are available for schools as needed.
• Main Entry Window Tinting: Reflective window tinting has been applied to lobby windows at select schools without AC and large window systems in the main office. The tinting helps regulate the indoor temperature in the main office.

A Community Investment

Measure E bonds, approved by voters, have made this ambitious project possible. This investment reflects the community's commitment to the health, well-being, and academic success of its students. By prioritizing the installation of modern HVAC systems, LBUSD is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient educational environment.

Looking Ahead

Student health and safety is the District’s highest priority. LBUSD will continue to activate existing measures during hot weather, including planning strenuous activities for cooler parts of the day, limiting time outside during peak heat, and encouraging students to remain hydrated. Support staff will also open non-air-conditioned classrooms in the early morning to allow trapped heat to escape.

As these projects move forward, the district is setting a precedent for how schools can proactively adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

As HVAC installations progress, the benefits will be widespread: cooler classrooms, cleaner air, and more energy-efficient operations—it's a vital step towards ensuring that all students can learn in a safe and comfortable environment and look forward to a more sustainable future.