With summer heatwaves looming, New York officials are preparing schools for stricter climate control regulations aimed at protecting students and staff, according to Spectrum News 1. Legislation signed in December mandates schools act when classroom temperatures hit 82 degrees and sets an upper limit of 88 degrees.
State Sen. James Skoufis, who pushed for the changes, recalled his own school days where most classrooms lacked air conditioning — a situation still unchanged decades later. The new rules give districts flexibility in how they cool classrooms, from using fans to dimming lights.
Some schools, like Cornwall Elementary, are already equipped, but others will need infrastructure upgrades. Ulster BOCES Superintendent Jonah Schenker said many districts must include climate accommodations in future capital projects.
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