CUSD Superintendent Karl Mueller announced a newly appointed district committee will explore air-conditioning options that may cost $40 million for public schools in the city during a governing board meeting on Sept. 10.
According to this month’s student board representative report, approximately one week of minimum days have been declared during the recent heat wave causing a loss of instructional time.
Prior to this school year, the district reports zero heat day minimum days since 2022. In 2025 the district revised its guidelines for declaring a minimum day using a heat index threshold of 87 degrees.
“Our teachers are making pivots and adjustments to how they’re assessing learning and before the quarter ends there is a plan in place to recoup as many of those instructional minutes as possible,” Mueller said.
Under the board’s direction, Mueller outlined the formation of an HVAC exploratory committee with a 12 month timeline.
Mueller’s report says the purpose of this committee will be to gather updated quantitative classroom data and qualitative information from students, staff and families for current and longer-term needs.
“The committee will review/update existing CASLE recommendations and once validated or updates are made, explore pathways/opportunities for funding,” the report continues. “Once a budget is developed based on the projected funding mechanism, the committee will develop recommended phases of implementation based on determined budgets.”
According to Mueller, district buildings were built without the capacity to add air conditioning.
“CUSD over the last 10 years has engaged in a number of studies,” said Mueller. “…We estimate right now approximately $40 million to air condition our schools.”
The next regular board meeting is set for 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15 at the district office.
