Amid Heat Wave, Edison Aims To Install Air Conditioning In All Schools
EDISON, NJ — Several Edison schools are facing infrastructure issues with overcrowding being a primary concern. And with extreme heat, many halls and classrooms at schools do not have air conditioning. But now, the Board of Education President is advocating for complete air conditioning in all schools.
During the last meeting, BOE President Biral Patel said many parents expressed concern over the lack of air conditioning in schools, especially during the hot weather.
Patel said there was a need for a comprehensive plan to address climate control in buildings.
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Last week amid high temperatures, Edison schools had an early closing. But Patel said this was not sustainable in the long run.
“We cannot remain dependent on the weather gods. Just like learning cannot happen on an empty stomach, if there are climate safety issues, students cannot learn appropriately,” Patel said.
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“Air conditioning must be installed in every single school building where infrastructure challenges do not exist.”
Patel noted that in the past two years, Edison did not see an increase in the school portion of their taxes, hence it was time to move forward with plans for air conditioning school buildings.
The BOE president said the district was working on a long-range facility plan.
Back in 2022, Edison created a plan for air conditioning and some cost analysis was done. Patel now wants architects to have a relook at the plan.
Board member Doug Schneider said he was happy the BOE has decided to revisit the 2022 plan.
“This week is brutal. I don’t think the last couple of weeks of school and the first few are easy for our students,” Schneider said.
“It’s not just the comfort, but it’s actually the results in the classroom. I think by getting proper climate control – we’ve talked about this for years – it is in our long-range facilities plan which makes me very happy. And I’m happy this board is supportive of that.”
Edison has two high schools, four middle schools, 10 elementary schools, an early learning center, one preschool and an intermediate school. The district has a total of 19 school buildings. Many of these buildings are old and lack air conditioning.
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