Stamford Commits $222K To Finish Schools Air Conditioning Project

Information via city of Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — On Thursday, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons and Stamford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tamu Lucero announced that the city and the Stamford Board of Education will jointly provide $222,000 to complete the purchase and installation of remaining air conditioning units needed for learning spaces in Stamford Public Schools (SPS).

The city and BOE will each contribute $111,000 toward the purchase and installation of approximately 150 air conditioning units to complete phase two of the SPS air conditioning project.

Earlier this year, Simmons and Lucero collaborated to secure approval from the Board of Finance and the Board of Representatives for a $300,000 appropriation to purchase and install 210 air conditioning units in phase one of this project.

The school district is in the process of installing the air conditioning units procured in phase one.

"I want to thank Dr. Lucero and her team for their partnership on the second phase of this critical funding," said Simmons in a news release. "These much-needed air conditioning units will ensure our students, teachers, and faculty have healthy and comfortable environments and will reduce disruptions to learning, especially during periods of extreme heat."

Lucero thanked Simmons for the partnership.

"As we saw last week, extreme heat is disruptive to learning and creates childcare challenges for families. Ensuring all our buildings are adequately air-conditioned is the only way to keep students in school and learning during periods of extreme heat," Lucero said in a news release.

The first week of school in Stamford was marked by extreme heat and temperatures in the mid-to-high 90s. Classes were dismissed early as a result.

The $222,000 in funding covers the cost to purchase the air conditioning units and the projected cost to install the units in compliance with building codes and safety standards.

The following schools are receiving air conditioning units through this project:

Phase One (210 AC units): Cloonan Middle School, Dolan Middle School, KT Murphy Elementary, Newfield Elementary, Northeast Elementary, Rippowam Middle School, Roxbury Elementary School, Springdale Elementary, Stamford High School, Turn of River Middle School, and Westhill High School.

Phase Two (150 AC units): Cloonan Middle School, Dolan Middle School, KT Murphy Elementary, Newfield Elementary, Rippowam Middle School, Roxbury Elementary School, Stamford High School, Turn of River Middle School, and Westhill High School.

By committing the funding now, it is projected that all remaining air conditioning units can be procured and installed for the start of the 2024-2025 school year.