Air Quality and Thermal Comfort

Overview: 

OUSD’s three-tier strategy combines immediate heat-reduction measures, targeted pilot programs, and long-term infrastructure improvements. This phased approach provides near-term relief while testing scalable solutions and advancing comprehensive cooling upgrades across the District.  

• Tier 1: Immediate/Passive (Summer 2026): Reflective window film at ~30 priority sites; cool roof coatings; living schoolyard expansions (trees, shade structures, asphalt removal).
• Tier 2: Pilot Programs (2026 - 2027): Cooling rooms (at least one per campus); ceiling fans; night-flush ventilation systems; solar-turbine roof fans; portable AC infrastructure in the hottest classrooms. Pilots are designed to test individual strategies at select sites before district-wide rollout.
• Tier 3: Major Infrastructure (2027+): Comprehensive HVAC upgrades, building envelope improvements, and centralized cooling, integrated with major modernization projects at Garfield, Roosevelt, McLymonds, Fremont, and others.

Because needs exceed what can be addressed in a single summer, OUSD developed an equity-centered prioritization framework to determine where implementation should begin. The rubric identifies where we begin—not where investments end. As additional sensor data and field information become available, OUSD will continue refining priorities and expanding implementation. Factors include:

• Classroom and building heat exposure
• Solar orientation and sun exposure
• Upper-floor classroom location
• Neighborhood heat severity
• Student age and instructional use
• Equity indicators and student needs
• Building ventilation and existing conditions
• Classroom temperature data as it becomes available"

In addition, OUSD has deployed indoor temperature and CO2 sensors in every classroom across 83 schools, funded by a Cal-SHAPE grant, providing real-time visibility into which spaces are hottest and when. This data directly informs prioritization.

Partners: Alameda County Public Health, The Sequoia Foundation, OUSD Buildings & Grounds

Overview: 
OUSD’s Equity-Centered Rubric provides a consistent, data-informed framework for prioritizing heat mitigation investments across District schools. The rubric evaluates student age and needs, equity indicators, sun exposure, neighborhood and site-level heat conditions, classroom location, and classroom usage. These factors help identify the spaces where heat exposure may have the greatest impact on student health, comfort, and learning. The rubric guides where implementation begins—not where investments end—and will continue to be refined as additional temperature data and site information become available.
 

Extreme Heat Community Resiliency Program Grant Application 
Status: Actively Applying

Overview
OUSD is currently pursuing the Extreme Heat Community Resilience Program (EHCRP) grant opportunity with the CA Governor’s Office. This program focuses on supporting infrastructure-based improvements that reduce the impacts of extreme heat on communities. OUSD is partnering with the Sequoia Foundation as a community based organization to leverage OUSD’s current heat mitigation efforts, and to provide funding for additional measures districtwide. 

Current Progress:
OUSD is currently working on the full application, due October 13th. Please refer back to this page for updates as this application progresses. 

Status: Applied April 2026, Awaiting Notice of Awards (expected in September 2026)

Overview: 
The EPA Wildfire Smoke Preparedness Grant supports OUSD’s efforts to improve indoor air quality and protect students and staff during wildfire smoke events. The project includes HVAC assessments and targeted system upgrades, deployment of mitigation measures such as optimized MERV filtration and portable HEPA air cleaners, development of districtwide smoke-response protocols, and Facilities and staff training at priority schools. Together, these efforts will strengthen school preparedness, reduce exposure to harmful smoke, and support healthier learning environments.