West Oakland Middle School Receives Major Energy-Efficiency Investment Through the Measure Y Bond

Oakland Unified's Facilities Department completed a $9.8 million energy-efficiency project at the West Oakland Middle School (WOMS) campus, bringing renewed energy and sustainability benefits for students, staff, and the West Oakland community.

The WOMS campus previously had a leaky, aging aluminum window system on its classroom building, which was causing severe glare, overheating, and poor daylighting, as blinds remained fully closed, blocking views, ventilation, and natural light.

The project utilized funds from the Measure Y bond, a 2020 voter-approved $735 million bond for school repairs, to address these issues, as it closely aligned with a key objective of the bond: improving air quality, conducting heat assessments, and enhancing ventilation across District facilities.

The project team designed a layered, energy-efficient system featuring high-performance windows paired with a passive "second skin" of vertical solar fins. The fins were carefully spaced, angled, and evaluated with performance software to reduce solar heat gain, modulate daylight, and restore access to outside views.

These upgrades improve student and staff comfort and well-being by increasing thermal resistance, reducing heat gain and loss through enclosure and glazing systems, and maintaining stable indoor temperatures, keeping classrooms comfortable year-round. The new façade also reintroduced natural ventilation, improving indoor air quality and reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

A post-occupancy evaluation confirmed the project's performance through both data and user feedback. Infrared imaging showed a classroom to be 17 degrees cooler, with glare issues reduced to almost zero percent, and a teacher reported that the space "feels more thermally comfortable, even on warm days."

The energy-efficient upgrades demonstrate OUSD's ongoing commitment to sustainability while supporting a healthier learning environment for WOMS students and staff.

The facade's modern design not only enhances classroom comfort but also introduces a fresh burst of color to the main corridor, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that students are enjoying. "Before our school buildings looked plain, now it looks awesome, colorful, and makes us stand out," said seventh grader Sidney. Eighth grader Norris said, "I like the colors used on the buildings and how it makes our school presentable."

WOMS Community Schools Manager Emilio Ortega said the project "aligns well with our school, as we now have school buildings and structures that are as beautiful, brilliant, and vibrant as the students and staff of our school."

"This is what our students and staff deserve," said Principal Neha Ummat. "We need modern buildings that are safe and visually pleasing. The courtyard is lovely, the colors are bright, and it looks like an inviting space for students to learn. Every child should have a welcoming, safe, and orderly space to go to school."

The OUSD Facilities Planning and Management Department continues to deliver student-centered projects, and WOMS stands as one example of how Measure Y is transforming Oakland's schools and communities. You can learn more about the WOMS project and other Facilities projects here.

See more project photos, below. Photos by John Sutton Photography