Dos Pueblos High School installed new LED lights in response to the California Building Code, “Title 24,” which requires all classroom lights to be motion-sensored in order to preserve energy. So far, lights have been installed in the H-wing, S-wing, T-wing, and M-wing of DPHS.
“We had to change out these lights and put in motion sensors for energy savings, because a lot of times people don’t turn off the lights when they exit the room,” said Desmond Ho, the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s Operations and Sustainability Coordinator.
According to Ho, constantly having to change and maintain the fluorescent lights not only costs money but releases chemicals that could be harmful when disposed of. Ho said the idea of installing the new lights was brought up a few years ago when he first came into his position.
The total cost for the project was around $550,000, which is $70,000 more than San Marcos High School’s total cost. Ho said that while the light installation was “not cheap,” DPHS was able to put this project into motion with an interest free loan provided by the Southern California Regional Energy Network.
The installation of the new lights was done over several nights, leaving many teachers and students surprised the next morning.
“One day, I came in [to the classroom] and the lights actually were on sensors, so both of them just turned on by themselves, and I was like, ‘wow they’re very bright,’” math teacher Li Harper said. “I thought this might be too bright for my students, because I know they like darker, calmer environments.”
Joseph Narvarro (12) said that the new LED lights reminded him of hospital lights. Narvarro described the lights as “really white and bright,” and said they make the classroom “look weird.”
The full installation of the lights was originally due by the end of 2024, but because of obstacles like construction of the new building, it is expected to be finished by January 2025.