Milford Board Takes Action To Address Classrooms Without AC

The board had a lengthy discussion about classroom temperatures and the challenges of adding air conditioning.

By Chris Rhatigan , Patch Staff

Jul 14, 2026 12:28 pm EDT

The board had a lengthy discussion about classroom temperatures and the challenges of adding air conditioning. (Saul Flores/Patch)

MILFORD, CT — The Milford Board of Education voted Monday to purchase two fans for every classroom that does not have air conditioning while district officials continue working on a long-term plan to cool school buildings.

The unanimous vote came after a lengthy discussion about classroom temperatures and the challenges of adding air conditioning to the district's older schools. The motion directs the administration to purchase two fans for each classroom without air conditioning using funding from the 2026-27 budget, with administrators determining the appropriate funding source.

Facilities officials told the board the district has about 514 classrooms. Of those, 208 have permanent air conditioning systems, while another 174 have window or portable units. About 133 classrooms have no air conditioning at all.

Officials said fans are inexpensive and easy to install but only circulate existing air rather than lower a room's temperature. They also cautioned that industrial fans can be noisy, especially if multiple units are used in the same classroom.

Administrators also outlined the drawbacks of installing window air conditioners across the district. They said older buildings have limited electrical capacity, some windows would need to be modified, and the units require ongoing maintenance while providing only limited cooling in larger classrooms.

District officials said permanent rooftop or variable refrigerant flow systems remain the preferred long-term solution because they cool classrooms, reduce humidity and improve indoor air quality. Those projects would require engineering work and would be completed over several years as part of the district's long-range facilities plan.

Board members said students and teachers need relief while those projects are developed. The approved fan purchase was described as a temporary measure until a more comprehensive air conditioning solution can be implemented.

View the full Board of Education meeting by clicking here.