Pasco High School’s aging HVAC system, in use since the 1980s, struggled to meet safety needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, running 24/7 to protect students and staff. In winter, classrooms relied on plug-in heaters, and by spring, indoor temperatures soared into the 80s — even with mild outdoor weather. With no space to relocate students, the school had few options until Clean Building Performance Standards (CBPS) grant funding came through.
Pasco School District (PSD) received $2 million in grants, including $1 million dedicated to replacing the high school’s HVAC system. An additional $230,000 from the Energy Audit Incentive Program for Public Buildings will support audits at all four middle schools: Stevens, Reynolds, Ochoa and McLoughlin.
Funded by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, CBPS grants are enabling building owners statewide to pursue critical energy-efficiency upgrades.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson spoke about the importance of government stepping up to solve real-world issues, noting that “Government’s first priority is to help fix problems. This a perfect example of how we can make things happen. Pasco High School has an urgent need, and this funding will help fulfill that need.”
Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn visits Pasco School District
During his recent Tri-Cities visit, Director Nguyễn met with PSD’s Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Supports Raúl Sital and Pasco Clean Buildings Grant Manager John Weatherby to discuss Pasco’s plans and how to improve access to funding for other communities.
“This funding allows us to make meaningful improvements that will enhance the learning environment for our students while also reducing energy costs,” Sital said.
Located in south-central Washington, PSD serves more than 19,000 students across 25 schools — adding about 600 new students each year. The majority of new students come from Spanish-speaking Latino families in nearby agricultural areas. Director Nguyễn, a key architect of the Climate Commitment Act during his time in the state senate, now leads Commerce’s efforts to put it into action
“The Pasco School District is doing amazing things to make sure they’re able to serve the kids they have now, and to be ready for the next generation,” said Director Nguyễn. “This visit was so important to helping me understand the constellation of challenges communities in Washington experience, and how Commerce can improve our approach.”
Beyond Pasco: CCA-funded grants bring statewide benefits
Commerce continues to expand its outreach and improve funding access. As PSD plans to open two new high schools — Sageview and Orion — designed for future energy efficiency, they’re also planning for solar infrastructure. However, funding for solar panels remains out of reach. Director Nguyễn is working closely with district leaders to identify future funding opportunities and provides assistance in navigating available programs.
As Pasco School District grows, continued support from Commerce and the CCA will be critical to ensuring that all students — especially those in historically underserved communities — have access to healthy, sustainable learning environments.