At a recent Board of Alders Education Committee meeting, New Haven School Operations Chief Paul Whyte warned that a number of district schools will lack working air‑conditioning when classes resume on Monday. With forecast highs expected to reach the mid‑80s, the district is exploring ways to protect students from excessive heat.
Schools without functional cooling
Whyte confirmed that Truman School will continue to operate without air‑conditioning, noting the system has been down for several years. The district has secured a design to replace both the HVAC system and the building’s roof, but the work will not be completed before the start of the school year.
Other schools are at various stages of repair. Edgewood School expects its brand‑new system to be fully tied in by Friday. At the Co‑Op, technicians are repeatedly resetting the existing unit, and Whyte expressed confidence that it will be operational by Monday. Lincoln‑Bassett and Bishop Woods have partial cooling; some classrooms will receive ambient cooling from nearby rooms with working units.
Contingency plans
To avoid exposing students to unsafe temperatures, the district is considering several options. One possibility is relocating classes to the Hillhouse Field House if indoor conditions become intolerable. Another is shifting to a morning‑only schedule for affected buildings, allowing instruction before the heat peaks.
Whyte also noted that the district has previously called for early dismissals twice last school year due to heat concerns. Portable cooling devices are currently being used at Wilbur Cross, John C. Daniels, and Betsy Ross schools, though they require round‑the‑clock security to prevent theft.
Cost considerations
The district disclosed that replacing HVAC systems ranges from $89,000 to $140,000 per school. Security for the portable units adds additional expense, as guards are paid time‑and‑a‑half for overnight coverage. At Betsy Ross, a unit was vandalized when copper wiring was stripped, forcing the district to replace it and increase security staffing.
Whyte emphasized that while the district is working to resolve the cooling issues quickly, the safety and comfort of students remain the top priority. Parents and community members are encouraged to stay informed through district communications as the situation develops.
Looking ahead
With the new school year just days away, New Haven officials are urging families to prepare for possible adjustments to the school day. The district’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment despite infrastructure challenges.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
