The Santa Barbara Unified Board of Trustees has approved a project to provide efficient heating and air conditioning at Santa Barbara High School.
The need for a new heating system started in spring 2022 when it failed in the wings of the school that date from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. The units were more than 50 years old and cannot be repaired as parts are no longer available.
The $3,158,680 project, to be paid for with Measure I 2016 funds, will include heating, air conditioning, and roofing repairs. Work will begin in summer 2024.
Portable electric heaters have been provided for each classroom in the affected wings while a long-term fix was worked on.
On July 25, 2022, the board approved a proposal from Kruger Bensen Ziemer Architects, Inc. for a design to install a new heating system. Estimated cost of the project was $1.5 million with Routine Restricted Maintenance funding.
During the project’s discovery phase, it was determined that individual heating units for each classroom would be the most cost-effective way to restore heat to the classrooms. This would require construction of a closet in each room to house the units.
However, the district looked into the options and recommended installing heat pumps on the roof, which would also provide efficient air conditioning for the classrooms.
“Every year, we see the need for air conditioning growing in our schools as we see more hot summer days,” said Superintendent Hilda Maldonado.
“This option will provide Santa Barbara High School with efficient heating and air conditioning that will be better for the environment while saving the district money,” she said.