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Chula Vista school board unanimously adopts electrification resolution after student-led push
Summary
Trustees voted 5-0 to adopt a resolution committing the district to pursue electrification of facilities and fleets and to incorporate climate literacy; students and labor representatives urged the measure but trustees pressed staff for realistic timelines and funding plans.
The Chula Vista Elementary School District Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to adopt an electrification resolution aimed at reducing campus pollution, increasing energy efficiency and integrating climate literacy into curriculum.
Dozens of students and labor representatives urged trustees to approve the measure during the public-comment portion of the meeting. Christina Marquez, an electrician and organizer with IBEW Local 569, told trustees that electrification projects "create opportunities for local journeymen and apprentices to work close to home" and praised local project labor agreements.
Student speakers framed the resolution as a health and equity issue. "By transitioning away from fossil-fuel-powered equipment and infrastructure, we can improve air quality on our campuses," said Xavier Gail, a youth volunteer outreach coordinator. Several student speakers cited local air-quality data and asked the board to commit to phasing out fossil fuel use in district operations by 2035.
Trustees acknowledged broad support but pressed staff on feasibility. Trustee Tamayo asked how the district will replace diesel buses and heavy equipment that currently cannot meet some range and payload requirements, and raised concerns about battery storage and grid impacts. District staff said the resolution sets a direction and goals; implementation depends on technology, available grants and phased replacement. "We should take advantage of grants when they exist," a staff member said, noting the district had secured grant funding for four electric buses.
Trustee Castillo Tolston moved adoption and President Ugarte seconded. The motion carried by roll call, 5-0.
What it means: The resolution establishes district-level policy direction and positions the district to pursue grants, energy-efficiency work and curriculum updates. Staff said the resolution is not an immediate spending authorization; specific projects will require separate board approvals and budget adjustments as grants and technology availability permit.
Key vote and next steps: The board adopted the resolution (5-0). Staff will produce an implementation briefing for a future meeting outlining grant opportunities, an equipment-replacement timeline and how climate literacy will be integrated into existing curriculum frameworks.
