$1.25M HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grant​ ​Earmarked For Guilford Schools

GUILFORD, CT — Guilford schools are set to receive $1.25 million in state grant funding to support improved school air quality.

State Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford), Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state Rep. Moira Rader (D-Guilford, Branford), Guilford schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Freeman, Guilford Board of Education Chair Dr. Katie Balestracci and local leaders met at Baldwin Middle School to announce the funding Wednesday.

In 2022, the General Assembly voted to create the Indoor Air Quality Grant Program, as part of an effort to improve ventilation and air conditions in schools statewide. Local and regional boards of education and regional education service centers can use those funds to make valuable improvements.

Municipalities are responsible to provide matching grants to fund work not covered by grants. Eligible schools and districts are those found to have the greatest need for indoor air quality improvements; factors considered include school HVAC system age, air quality issues at the school and overall school building age and condition. Along with creating that program, the state additionally invested in a pipeline training system for HVAC work and strict standards for inspection and evaluation of HVAC on an accelerated schedule compared to previous state law.

Cohen said she's "thrilled" the district is in the first round to receive "this critical funding."
“Throughout the pandemic we learned how important air filtration is, and I’m proud that through working in collaboration with our Executive Branch, my colleagues and I in the General Assembly voted to fund this essential infrastructure for our schools," Cohen said. "Students and teachers deserve a safe learning environment and clean air in their classrooms. I look forward to this funding rolling out across the 12th district and our state.”

Guilford schools will receive three grants, each supporting air quality improvements and upgrades in local schools, through the HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grant Program for Public Schools. Baldwin Middle School will receive $480,502.45, Guilford Lakes School will receive $432,404.46 and Cox Elementary School will receive $338,654.79.

“Paying for a mid-to-large scale capital project can be a challenging endeavor for a school district, so awards such as these are welcome news for leaders in small towns like Guilford,” House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora said. "I’m glad that school officials there will be able to improve air quality inside their facilities through assistance from the state.”

These funds can be used to replace, upgrade, or repair boilers and other heating and ventilation components; replacing controls and technology systems related to HVAC operations; installing or upgrading air conditioning or ventilation systems; and other similar work approved by the Department of Administrative Services.

"A properly maintained school building is a vital aspect to a student's learning success. This funding serves to support Guilford Public School's community focus on the physical, social and emotional well-being of every student," Rader said. "A healthy learning environment creates the foundation within which a child can thrive. Thank you to Governor Lamont for addressing this critical need in our schools throughout the state."

Freeman said the grant awards, "highlight both our local and state-level commitment to our children."

The program, he said, is "another example of the proactive approach we take locally in Guilford to ensure healthy and efficient school environments, of the positive partnership that we have and support that we continue to receive from Hartford, and of the strong and effective representation that Guilford continues to benefit from at the state level."

And speaking on behalf of the Board of Education, Balestracci said the award is "greatly appreciated."

"We are committed to providing a healthy environment for our students to learn and develop, and are grateful that our state leaders and legislators share in this commitment," she said.

Bysiewicz noted that the grant awards are a "major investment in school infrastructure."

"Today’s announcement reaffirms the State of Connecticut’s commitment to a healthy and safe learning environment," she said. "When we invest in the wellbeing of our students, teachers, and schools, the returns on our investment will be seen for generations to come."