NORWALK, CT — Norwalk officials last week gathered at Naramake Elementary School to mark the completion of major heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements at six city schools, according to an announcement from the city.
Approximately $36 million was invested in the school facilities to create more comfortable, healthy and productive learning environments for students and educators.
Mayor Barbara C. Smyth, state Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-25), state Rep. Dominique Johnson (D-143), Interim Superintendent Sandra Faioes and Norwalk Public Schools staff attended the event.
"These investments are about much more than new equipment—they are about creating the conditions our students and educators need to succeed," Smyth said in an announcement, thanking school and elected officials for helping to bring the projects to fruition.
"Our schools are some of the most important buildings in our city, and we have a responsibility to make sure they are safe, comfortable and equipped to support learning."
The projects were funded through a special school construction program administered by the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, the city said.
In 2024, with Duff's support, the state approved the six Norwalk school HVAC projects with a combined budget of approximately $36 million.
The state's potential reimbursement is approximately $21 million, based on a 60 percent reimbursement rate.
The special funding program allows the city to receive reimbursement for facility repairs and replacements that otherwise would not qualify for state school construction funding.
"Providing students and educators with safe, healthy and comfortable learning environments is essential to student success," Faioes said in an announcement. "These HVAC improvements represent a significant investment in our schools and our students. We are grateful to the City of Norwalk and our state partners for their collaboration and commitment to improving our school facilities."
Beginning in June 2025, the city, Norwalk Public Schools and individual school administrations worked together to plan and implement the improvements. All six projects were completed before the start of the 2026-27 school year.
The projects included:
The work included installing, replacing and upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, along with other improvements designed to enhance indoor air quality.
The improvements will help the schools maintain comfortable learning environments during periods of extreme heat and cold while improving the overall experience for students, teachers and staff.
"Investing in our schools is one of the most important things we can do for the future of Norwalk," Duff said.
"This program allowed Norwalk to address critical HVAC needs while maximizing state reimbursement and making sure these improvements could be completed before the start of the new school year," he added. "I am proud to have supported these projects and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on students, teachers and staff for years to come."
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