Addressing Aging Facilities and Systems

The District’s addition of 11 new schools between 2007 and 2011 has been well publicized and appreciated by the community. Not so well known, however, is the District’s large number of aging buildings and outdated systems in urgent need of renovation and renewal. In addition to structural refurbishment and replacing old equipment that has well extended its lifecycle, the old schools need to be upgraded to meet current federal and state codes and standards. Required upgrades include ADA access, health and safety issues, environmental and air quality, electrical and mechanical upgrades to meet building and fire codes, and new lighting and air conditioning to meet current needs and standards.

Technology in electrical and mechanical systems and controls has realized momentous advances in recent years. Unlike the antiquated HVAC controls and electronic systems currently in use in many of the District’s schools, current state-of-the-art technology operates faster, cleaner, more reliably, often remotely or via the Internet, and is more cost and energy efficient. Investing in new systems would save APS markedly in the long-term — eventually more than paying for the initial expense — as well as noticeably improve room quality and comfort.

New electrical power sources are also needed to accommodate new technology in the classrooms, such as White Boards, Smart Boards (Promethean), projectors, printers, computers, scanners, and other electronic teaching tools. New technology is required to aid in energy conservation and energy use monitoring. As vandalism and theft are chronic problems, all but the new schools are in grave need of more high tech and reliable security that includes cameras, monitors, and alarms.