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A $6.46 million solution to an air-conditioning problem?

September 25, 2026

OPINION by DORIAN BAKER

Paso Robles Joint Unified School District says students deserve an air-conditioned gym. Yet the district says demolishing the existing high school gym and building a new one on the tennis courts may cost less than adding air conditioning.

That would require relocating six courts that need resurfacing, not replacement. The proposed tennis complex, with lights, bleachers, shade structures and 82 parking spaces, is estimated at $6.46 million. Before voters decide on Measure G, the proposed $205 million bond, the district is considering a $429,800 design contract.

Students have played without air conditioning for generations. The district should first examine the least expensive practical solution, not begin a costly chain of demolition, relocation and construction.

Measure G’s projected repayment is $377.8 million, including interest, through property taxes estimated to continue until fiscal year 2057–2058.

At today’s median sale price of about $809,500, a home purchased today would pay an estimated $12,500 over 31 years using today’s assessed value. Actual costs will vary as assessed values and tax rates change.

Students deserve safe facilities. Taxpayers deserve careful stewardship. Spending nearly $430,000 before voters decide—and potentially $6.46 million to replace courts that need resurfacing—is neither prudent nor respectful of taxpayers.

 


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6 Comments

These bond issues are a scam, a money grab, pushed by school contractors, Larry Wysong first and foremost, who get no-bid deals due to political connections.


2

This isn’t the full story. Maybe the existing gym is not meeting the current needs of the site in other ways besides an HVAC upgrade? And perhaps adding new AC units would trigger a structural upgrade of the existing building to comply with current code, that isn’t feasible, or would in fact cost more than a new building? A follow up interview with the facilities director or chief business officer at the district would clear things up.


-1

How much would it cost to add AC to the current gym?


6

Absurd. It would be less expensive to create an emergency room in the gym to serve victims of heat stroke, or possibly just air condition the tennis courts, and play there when it is hot.


7

PRJUSD admins, district staff and many of the school board trustees lack financial wisdom. I’ll be voting NO on Measure G.


14

Is every corner of the campus sufficiently padded, in case a poor, helpless child happens to brush against it? Have enough helmets been issued to students, in case they bump their heads? Are there enough “Comfort Hug Closets”, segregated cafeteria seats, personal escorts to and from the parking lot, “no touch” football teams, baseball fields without the dangerous sticks and hard balls, Nerf™ archery sets, and rules for no riding of bicycles to and from school?


No? Then sweating during physical activity must be put on hold, while the above priorities are instilled.


Apparently, Teachers are being paid enough, to afford AC in a –checks notes– Gymnasium. Please don’t tell the school district, that students get “wet” in the swimming pool…


13