Oregon Schools Face Shocking AC Crisis: Unveiling the Urgent Need for Climate Resilient Upgrades

Heat Waves Force Early Dismissals and Cancellations

Extreme temperatures have led to several school districts in the Portland metro area either releasing students early or canceling classes altogether. The absence of air conditioning in many schools has been highlighted as a critical issue. Environmental groups are pushing for increased funding to modernize schools and prevent such disruptions in the future.

The connection between the lack of air conditioning and insufficient funding for school modernization has been made clear. Without investment, heat-related school closures will continue, and students remain unprotected against the escalating climate crisis.

During a recent heatwave, only schools with sufficient air cooling systems managed to stay open. Harriet Tubman Middle School exemplifies this, having undergone significant updates to ensure a safe environment for students.

As temperatures soared, an excessive heat warning was issued across the state. Portland Public Schools responded by sending students home early from schools lacking air conditioning.

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Urgent Need for Modernization

Older schools in the region are particularly vulnerable as they typically do not have air conditioning units, a holdover from when the Pacific Northwest enjoyed milder temperatures. Now, rising global temperatures are turning these buildings into heat traps.

Research indicates that extreme weather events are already affecting the mental health of young Oregonians. Harvard Kennedy School studies suggest heat can impair cognitive development and reduce learning capacity.

Currently, only a fraction of Oregon’s largest school district buildings have HVAC systems. Most of these systems were installed during comprehensive rebuilds funded by voter-approved bonds. However, more funding is required to address the ongoing issues.

Several funding pathways exist, including:

• Voter-approved bonds
• Portland Clean Energy Fund grants
• Private financing options

Financial and Logistical Challenges

According to Dan Jung, the PPS Chief Operating Officer, adding mechanical cooling to all buildings is the most effective solution to heat waves. However, high costs and numerous requirements make this a challenging endeavor, especially given the age of many school buildings.

Many PPS school buildings are around 80 years old and require substantial upgrades. Lack of funding has delayed these necessary improvements. Future bonds will be essential for continued investment in mechanical upgrades.

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Initiatives like the Portland Clean Energy Fund have provided significant grants to school districts. For instance, PPS received nearly $20 million in funding for energy-efficient retrofits, including HVAC installations.

However, retrofitting a school can take up to five years from planning to completion. Costs may also increase during the modernization process, necessitating further upgrades to support new technologies.

The Path Forward

Quick solutions such as smaller AC units come with limitations. These units may strain existing electrical systems and require frequent replacements. Window units can also pose safety hazards.

Despite the challenges, Jung emphasized the need for short-, middle-, and long-term solutions. Four schools are set to receive new HVAC systems next year, marking progress in the right direction.

State assistance is limited, with the Oregon Department of Education providing modest matching funds for districts that pass bonds. No district received more than $8 million in the most recent grant cycle.

Overall, financial and logistical barriers remain significant. Without a statewide strategy or increased federal funding, schools and communities continue to face difficulties during extreme weather events.

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