SOUTH WINDSOR, CT (WFSB) – Money to upgrade air filtration systems in Connecticut’s public schools was announced on Wednesday.
Gov. Ned Lamont participated in a news conference at 11 a.m. at the Phillip R. Smith Elementary School in South Windsor:
Lamont said his administration plans to release $150 million to support additional upgrades for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in schools.
“According to some of the numbers, about 10% of the students population, about 10% of the teacher population, have asthma and allergies and indoor air makes their respiratory problems worse,” said Saud Anwar, Democratic State Senator.
This is a top priority from a public health and an education standpoint, with Connecticut already investing more than $165 million in Covid relief funding to make these improvements.
“This is a priority, we want to make sure that our children and our teachers and all our administrators are protected in their environment,” said Senator Anwar.
“I think it’s great to provide the new system that kids get fresh air. Especially now after Covid that the kids finally get the mask optional, the fresh air, and can embrace the fresh air. I think it’s definitely a great improvement to the students and their health,” said Jai Fei, a Simsbury parent.
The pandemic has reinforced the need for upgrades. Those upgrades could look like replacing heating and ventilation, and completely installing new air conditioning.
“That’s what the ventilation systems mean. Taking the great, clean outdoor air we have here and circulating that,” said Governor Ned Lamont.
Applications from school districts are now being accepted and the deadline is December 1.
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