Maintenance Services Technician, Robert Armstrong, recharging classroom AC units to ensure optimal cooling during summer heat
The Fallbrook Union Elementary School District (FUESD) is committed to ensuring that all students and staff have a comfortable and safe learning environment, especially during the soaring temperatures of summer. The District’s Facilities team, led by Director Bryson Bickler, has taken extensive measures to guarantee that classrooms remain cool and conducive to learning, even amid record-breaking heat waves.
During the 2023-24 school year, FUESD completed the installation of 19 shade canopies across school sites districtwide. These shaded areas provide students with cooler outdoor spaces, offering relief during recess and outdoor activities while also contributing to overall campus safety.
In addition to the increased shade, the Facilities Department successfully applied for and was awarded $580,000 in funding through the California Energy Commission’s CalSHAPE program. These funds were directed toward comprehensive HVAC assessments, repairs, and preventative maintenance. This project, which has now been completed, significantly improved the reliability of the District’s existing air conditioning systems, ensuring that classrooms remain at optimal temperatures for learning.
The dedicated Facilities staff works tirelessly to maintain these systems, performing regular inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance to ensure that everything is operating at its highest level. Their meticulous attention to detail guarantees that cooling systems function efficiently, keeping classrooms comfortable for students and staff throughout the school year.
“We know that a cool, comfortable classroom is essential to student success, particularly during these extreme heat waves,” said Bryson Bickler, Director of Facilities. “Our team has worked diligently to maintain and upgrade our AC systems and install new shade structures to make sure our campuses are safe and welcoming for everyone.”
As temperatures continue to rise, FUESD remains focused on providing an environment where students and staff can thrive, no matter the season.