Improving the school air quality for our students and staff has become a top priority. CleanAir4StClare involves a tremendous effort to replace our HVAC system and will require considerable financial resources.

We need your support to achieve this goal. Will you join us?

BAckground Information

Until last year, many of us took clean air for granted. Then came COVID, a deepening drought, and a long lasting wildfire season. The result has been far more impactful than just worsening allergies and general discomfort.

Looking at Covid alone, we know that continually cleaning air and maximizing airflow is the most important way to reduce viral transmission, even more important than surface disinfection.

REASONS for action

• Santa Clara has been experiencing extreme temperatures in recent years (lows in the 30s and highs in the 100s).

  • Our system for providing heat in the winter is no longer reliable and repairs are costly.

  • Given increasing summer temperatures, opening windows and adding fans to classrooms isn't as effective as it once was either.

• The lack of precipitation in surrounding areas has resulted in high fire danger. Combined with the lack of precipitation and lightning fires in the surrounding areas, hotter summers, and increased pollution, poor air quality has become a growing concern.

• CDC, State and County data have shown that proper ventilation plays a key role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.

• Several academic studies have found a link between clean air and academic performance.

Improving Our Learning Environment

Saint Clare School is working to upgrade our heating system, add air-conditioning, improve our air filtering and reduce our increasing HVAC maintenance costs. The result will be an improved ability to maintain a steady climate and a cleaner learning environment inside the classroom.

Expected cost And Funding

The all-in cost for this project, including permits, code updates, equipment and installation, is estimated at $1.5M.

Catholic schools in the Diocese of San Jose are tuition-based organizations largely dependent on fundraising and donations. In order to offer faith-based education to families who desire Catholic education, we are not allowed to receive subsidy from the Federal government and most State subsidies are subject to Title funding restrictions. In addition, our schools are properties of the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of San Jose, but the funding of maintaining its facilities is the responsibility of the school.

How CAN You HELP?

We ask you to remember our students and staff in your prayers, participate to the best of your ability, and consider a gift that will pay dividends to our community for years to come. Thank you for your generosity.