NEPN/NSBA Code: EBBD  

TEMPERATURE STANDARDS FOR SCHOOLS

1. Purpose

The Lewiston Public Schools School Committee adopts the following policy to establish minimum and maximum temperature standards for school buildings, with the goal of supporting a safe and comfortable learning environment.

2. Definition

“Comfort zone” is defined as the optimal temperature range for teaching and learning, which the School Committee establishes as 65 degrees Fahrenheit 75 degrees Fahrenheit for Lewiston Public Schools.

3. Standards

1. Responsive Measures

 The Superintendent or designee is authorized to determine and implement appropriate measures to address situations in which buildings or classroom temperatures fall outside the School Committee-adopted comfort zone of 65-75 degrees. These measures may include, but are not limited to, strategies that promote safe and effective learning environments during periods of extreme heat or cold. The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that any actions taken are consistent with applicable health and safety standards and the needs of the students and staff. Building administrators are expected to cooperate with and support the implementation of these measures within their respective schools.

2. Limitations

The School Committee recognizes that the District’s school buildings may not have HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems capable of maintaining consistent temperatures in this range in some or all areas of the building. Some schools may have air conditioning in a few spaces, and some schools may have no air conditioning at all.

This policy will be posted/made accessible to the public on the District’s website.

Adopted: June 15, 2026

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA § 1001(23)