Board approves Pacific West contract for LED retrofit; trustees discuss health, cost and financing

The Lennox School District Board approved a contract with Pacific West Energy Solutions to upgrade interior and exterior fixtures to LED across district facilities, following a public hearing.

District staff said the project—described in staff materials as roughly $1.3 million for equipment and installation—would replace classroom fixtures and install more durable exterior lighting where needed. Officials said the district intends to pursue a 0% loan through Southern California Edison to finance the work over 10 years and will pursue any available grants or one‑time state funding to accelerate repayment.

Staff linked the project to state regulatory changes (AB 2208) affecting fluorescent lamps and said Pacific West’s proposal included a room‑by‑room inventory of fixtures to be replaced. Board discussion raised concerns about student health and lighting quality: one trustee asked about circadian impacts, flicker and visual comfort and suggested considering hybrid lighting or other mitigations for younger students.

The motion to award the contract was moved by Ms. Corveiro and seconded by Ms. Gonzales; the board approved the contract on the motion (vote recorded in the meeting as approval; specific roll‑call tallies were not fully transcribed). Staff said Pacific West will work with the district to pursue utility financing and potential grant support and that warranties and durable exterior fixtures were included in bid exhibits.

Board members asked staff to confirm technical details and mitigation strategies for classroom lighting (such as dimming, color temperature selection and anti‑flicker drivers) before large‑scale installation.