San Diego Unified School District has received $11.5 billion from taxpayers in the last 16 years to ensure that every classroom has proper air conditioning. However, despite the significant funds, some students are still struggling with extreme heat.
Over the summer, schools like Hoover High, Henry High, and Garfield Elementary faced high temperatures in their classrooms, causing discomfort and health issues for students.
All schools in San Diego Unified technically have air conditioning in every classroom. The issue lies in the fact that many of these systems are not functioning properly. Despite multiple construction bond measures passed since 2008, AC problems continue to persist.
District officials have consistently promised voters that if they pass these bonds, every classroom will have working air conditioning. However, students and teachers still face unbearable heat each year.
The verbiage used in each bond measure is nearly identical, all highlighting the need to replace or modify HVAC systems for energy efficiency. Yet, the reality does not match the promises made to the public.
In 2019, the district had pledged that all classrooms would have working air conditioning, but this goal was not achieved. San Diego High School, for example, remained without AC in every class.
Despite spending millions on installing air conditioners over the years, many classrooms in the district still lack proper cooling systems. Officials have received numerous work orders for heating and cooling problems, indicating ongoing issues with HVAC systems.
The district has faced criticism for its spending priorities, with some projects receiving more attention than essential infrastructure needs. For example, installing faulty turf fields took precedence over fixing aging plumbing systems, reflecting misplaced priorities in school renovations.
