Air Conditioning Failure

The 2015-2016 Grand Jury finds that MJUSD failed to properly maintain the HVAC system at Lindhurst High School. Specifically, the Grand Jury found no evidence that the water was being treated per documented specifications as found in a number of magazines and periodicals related to building maintenance: Contracting Business, ACHR News, and Facility Management. This failure may have potentially exposed the students, staff and public to Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac Fever (CDC). In addition, the lack of water treatment and maintenance has led to the water lines becoming corroded and blocked, reducing the efficiency of the system (Contracting, 2010) and putting pressure on the Central Plant, “resulting in an increased load and ware on the machinery” (MJUSD, Aug 14, 2016). In a public letter, the MJUSD Superintendent indicates knowledge of the hard water in this area (MJUSD, Aug. 25, 2015). In light of this lack of maintenance on the system, the chillers failed prematurely. The chillers had only eight years of actual wear and the Grand Jury’s research showed that, with proper maintenance, they have a life expectancy of around 20 to 30 years (Grassi, 2013).

The 2015-2016 Grand Jury finds that MJUSD failed to maintain a log detailing work done on the HVAC system as well as any noted irregularities of the HVAC system at Lindhurst High School. The Grand Jury had requested to see the maintenance log but was advised by MJUSD that they were unable to locate or did not have the log. In addition, the Grand Jury finds that MJUSD has very little documentation on work done through outside contractors.

The 2015-2016 Grand Jury finds that MJUSD failed to act on a work order indicating a problem with the HVAC system at Lindhurst High School. Per Grand Jury interviews, this failure to act significantly contributed to the compressor being destroyed by a loose screw. This left the students at Lindhurst High School without air conditioning in triple-digit heat causing at least two walk-outs (Luery, 2015 and Barron, 2016).

The 2015-2016 Grand Jury finds that the personnel in MJUSD Facilities and Energy Management Department do not have enough knowledge and experience in handing the HVAC systems. The Grand Jury was advised, during interviews, that the technician currently assigned to maintain the HVAC system is unfamiliar with the system. Page | 44

The 2015-2016 Grand Jury finds that MJUSD is currently addressing the HVAC problem with an emergency HVAC replacement project (Barron, 2016). Per K. Barron and a 2015 newsletter from MJUSD (2016); this is a multi-stage project with the first stage addressing Lindhurst High School’s C and F buildings. Building C should have a new system in late March to early April 2016, Building F in late April 2016. Work on a new HVAC system for the gym, locker room and classrooms in Building E is expected to start by early fall of 2016. Research documentation shows that proper maintenance will reduce energy costs (ACHR, 2005) as well as reduce the potential risk of exposure to Legionella bacteria which is associated with Legionnaires Disease and Potomac Fever (CDC).