Schools scramble for temporary units amid theft crisis

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed urgent measures to address the theft of air conditioning units from school campuses, which has significantly impacted the upcoming school year. The district is seeking authorization to bypass the standard bidding process for renting temporary cooling units, citing the need to act quickly as school starts next week. The current volume of units required exceeds what can be managed through the typical bidding timeline, which could delay installation by up to 30 days.

The thefts, primarily affecting portable classrooms, have resulted in the loss of essential components, necessitating complete replacements of the units rather than simple repairs. The district plans to install temporary units immediately, which will require modifications to the buildings, including creating venting holes.

Security concerns were also addressed, with officials noting that ten campuses have been affected by thefts over the summer, including a recent incident at Lincoln Elementary. The district has been in regular communication with the Pomona Police Department and has increased campus security measures, including monitoring cameras and dispatching security personnel.

To further protect the new installations, the district is working with contractors to design heavy-duty cages for the units, aiming to deter future thefts. While acknowledging that no system is foolproof, officials emphasized their commitment to making it as difficult as possible for thieves to access the equipment. Additional lighting and surveillance measures are also being implemented to enhance security across the campuses.