Seminole County Public Schools announced a district‑wide adjustment to air‑conditioning set points, moving the weekday temperature from 71 °F to 74 °F and raising it to 78 °F on weekends when campuses are empty. The change is projected to save roughly $1.5 million annually, helping preserve jobs and program funding.
District rationale
In a statement, the district explained that the modest increase in temperature set points will reduce energy consumption across all schools and the central office. “The only difference between this year and last year is the set point moving from 71 to 74, which will save approximately $1.5 million a year and allow us to save jobs and programs,” the statement read. The district also noted that extreme heat and high humidity are straining HVAC systems throughout the region.
Parental response
Some parents have expressed concern about the impact on students, especially during the summer months when outdoor temperatures regularly exceed 90 °F. Tiffany Uribe, whose daughter attends Rock Lake Elementary, said the school already feels warm and that the new settings could make classrooms uncomfortable. “My daughter goes to Rock Lake, and it’s always pretty hot in that school,” Uribe said. “Especially in the hallways, there’s no vents or moving air.” She added that her daughter and her science teacher conducted a simple experiment measuring classroom temperatures, reporting readings ranging from 70 °F to 83 °F.
Balancing cost savings and comfort
While Uribe supports the district’s effort to conserve funds, she questioned the timing of the change. “I find it to be crazy because we live in Florida. Every day I scroll through news feeds and weather apps and stuff, and it’s like the heat index is above average,” she said, urging the district to consider implementing the higher set points during cooler months instead.
Potential impact on students
School officials acknowledge that higher indoor temperatures may affect comfort, but they emphasize that the adjustment is modest and that the district will continue monitoring HVAC performance. The district plans to keep the 74 °F setting during school days and only raise it to 78 °F when buildings are unoccupied, minimizing any impact on instructional time.
Community context
Seminole County, part of the Greater Orlando area, has faced budget pressures in recent years, prompting school leaders to explore efficiency measures. The $1.5 million savings represent a small but significant portion of the district’s operating budget, allowing resources to be redirected toward maintaining classroom programs and staff positions.
Parents and community members are encouraged to attend upcoming school board meetings to discuss the temperature policy and any further adjustments that may be needed to balance fiscal responsibility with student well‑being.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
