Community Group Demands Refrigerated Air for Better Learning Environment

EL PASO, Texas — The ongoing struggle for adequate air conditioning in El Paso’s school districts has prompted a local advocacy group, Amanecer People’s Project, to call for urgent upgrades. The group emphasizes that refrigerated air is crucial for both students’ learning and the working conditions in schools, particularly as temperatures soar.

The Need for Refrigerated Air

Amanecer People’s Project, led by organizer Matthew Rodriguez, has been actively canvassing schools and hosting community meetings to address this issue. Rodriguez, who founded the group last year, noted that their goals include advocating for clean air and water, along with representing community concerns. Over the past year, the group has heard significant concerns regarding the continued use of swamp coolers in several local schools, which are less effective in hot weather compared to refrigerated air systems.

Current State of School Air Conditioning

Rodriguez revealed that 19 schools within the El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) still rely on swamp coolers. Despite some efforts to upgrade outdated air conditioning units, many schools remain without the more effective refrigerated air systems. The group has identified federal funding opportunities, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, which could be utilized to address these issues. This act includes provisions for whole-school upgrades, solarization projects, and grants, potentially alleviating the financial burden of these improvements.

Efforts by Amanecer People’s Project

Amanecer People’s Project is committed to being a voice for the community. Their efforts include distributing informational flyers to parents and organizing public meetings to encourage community involvement. An upcoming meeting is scheduled for June 22nd to further discuss the issue and mobilize support.

Responses from School Districts

In response to inquiries, several school districts have acknowledged the importance of the issue. Socorro and Ysleta School Districts have reportedly resolved their air conditioning problems, while EPISD continues to work on upgrading their facilities. Superintendent Diana Sayavedra acknowledged the significant challenges due to the average age of the district’s buildings, which are around 50 years old. Despite passing the largest bond in the district’s history in 2016, there remains a substantial amount of work to be done. Currently, 20 schools in EPISD still require air conditioning upgrades.

Progress and Future Plans

Canutillo Independent School District has reported that all their schools are equipped with refrigerated air, and they plan to replace existing units using funds from their latest bond. Anthony Independent School District, while still relying on swamp coolers in some facilities, keeps their units running overnight to maintain cooler temperatures during the day.

The Inflation Reduction Act: A Potential Solution

The Inflation Reduction Act presents a significant opportunity for schools to secure funding for necessary upgrades. This federal legislation includes various provisions aimed at improving infrastructure, including air conditioning systems in schools. By tapping into these funds, districts could make substantial progress in creating a more conducive learning environment for students.

Moving Forward with Community Support

As Amanecer People’s Project continues to advocate for these changes, community support remains crucial. The group’s persistent efforts highlight the importance of addressing environmental factors that directly impact students’ educational experiences. The upcoming public meeting on June 22nd will serve as a platform for further discussion and planning.

Call to Action

For those interested in supporting the cause, Amanecer People’s Project encourages community members to stay informed and get involved. By attending meetings, participating in discussions, and advocating for necessary upgrades, the community can collectively work towards ensuring better conditions for all students in El Paso.

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Sources:

• El Paso Independent School District
• Socorro Independent School District
• Ysleta Independent School District
• Canutillo Independent School District
• Anthony Independent School District

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