Embedded Files
Adding A/C: Education, Efficiency and Parity
Adding A/C: Education, Efficiency and Parity
The proposal on the November 4th ballot would complete the goal of having air conditioning in every Marlboro Township school.
Since opening, the David C. Abbott Early Learning Center and Marlboro Memorial Middle School have had A/C.
In fall 2023, the A/C expansion spread to Defino Central Elementary School and Frank J. Dugan Elementary School.
A/C installation at Marlboro Elementary School was completed this summer.
In 1998, Marlboro Middle School gained A/C throughout the building when an addition was built. Until then, it had A/C only in large areas.
To complete the goal with across-the-district equity, the Board developed a financially prudent strategy to add A/C at Asher Holmes Elementary School and Robertsville Elementary School.
Why Add Air Conditioning?
Why Add Air Conditioning?
Air conditioning wasn’t always standard in schools, just as it wasn’t standard in cars, homes and offices. For many reasons, it is now an expectation.
The school year is longer, stretching nearly to the end of June.
At either end of the school year, months that used to be somewhat cool can now be quite warm.
More cautious security measures prevent opening windows and doors to catch a breeze.
Benefits go beyond indoor temperatures.
Circulating air through filters year-round traps pollen and other airborne irritants.
Higher rates of seasonal allergies and asthma make climate control more important.
Controlling humidity, regardless of the temperature, is better for the conditions of our buildings, as well as the furnishings and computers within them.
What are the Advantages for Classrooms?
What are the Advantages for Classrooms?
Split units have many advantages for classroom use:
Interior components are separated from the noisier components, so the classroom stays quieter.
These would eliminate the need for inefficient window air conditioners that are installed when medical needs require them.
Also, these would eliminate the possibility of heat-related early dismissals that disrupt learning.
Hot classrooms continually stress the roof-top cooling units that are designed to serve large spaces only.
The ability to supplement heat, if needed, can help the building-wide system keep up with demand on very cold days.
If voters approve the plan, Asher Holmes and Robertsville classrooms will have split units (air conditioning and heating), similar to that of other schools.
Part of each unit would sit high on the classroom wall.
Remaining components would be outside, either on the roof or next to the building.
No Sweat, No Debt: By combining state aid and savings, MTPS can finish the air conditioning goal without raising the tax rate.
No Sweat, No Debt: By combining state aid and savings, MTPS can finish the air conditioning goal without raising the tax rate.
Page updated
Report abuse