Bethel Voters Approve School Air Conditioning Upgrades

BETHEL — Bethel voters have approved the $4.18 million in funding to upgrade Bethel High School's heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

The referendum passed on Thursday by a vote of 555 to 143.

The school's HVAC was not updated as part of the renovations performed in 2010. The scope of the project specifically addresses the 35 learning areas on the second and third floors of the Math and English wings that are currently not air-conditioned. Some already air conditioned areas stand to benefit with reductions in noise improvements in air quality.

The district has already allocated around $700,000 from its Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund grant money, and the Board of Selectman has kicked in another $855,000 from the town’s American Rescue Plan Act funds. Town officials are looking to state grants to relieve some of the sting.