KEEPING OUR SCHOOLS – AND OUR KIDS – COOL

A Column from the Desk of Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C-Deerpark)

We’re in the midst of another great heat wave at the start of our summer, and like last year’s hottest-summer-ever, meteorologists are anticipating another scorcher for 2024. With these kinds of hot days being the reality we live in, I’ve been looking for ways to ensure people are allowed to stay comfortable and cool. One of the measures I’m proud to have supported was the passing of a bill that establishes a maximum temperature in school buildings and indoor facilities. Many schools throughout our state are unfortunately built on older architectural principles, meaning many of them were meant to keep elements out, rather than accommodate the elements within the building itself. Central air and air flow in general were not always considered in the construction of these schools, and individual air conditioning units can only do so much, especially in larger schools. Several studies have found that heat affects students’ ability to learn and perform academically, with one from New York City finding that 4.5 million students tested on a hot 90-degree Fahrenheit day tested lower than those that tested on a 72-degree Fahrenheit day. Our students, teachers and faculty work hard throughout their day, and they deserve to learn and work in tolerable, if not comfortable, conditions. New York has always had a minimum temperature in school buildings, a necessary function when we live through harsh winters. But this new cap for a maximum safe temperature for students will protect our schools’ population during the hottest of days. I know when I’m stuck in a hot room running north of 95 degrees Fahrenheit, I find it challenging to work. I imagine students would find themselves similarly challenged. Our kids deserve a comfortable space to learn in, our teachers need it to do their jobs effectively. I am grateful this bipartisan legislation passed the Assembly and Senate, and I hope the governor will sign it into law soon. Assemblyman Brabenec represents the 98th District, which includes the city of Port Jervis, the towns of Deerpark, Greenville, Mount Hope, Wawayanda, Minisink, Warwick, Tuxedo and portions of the towns of Goshen, Monroe and Ramapo. For more information, please visit his Official Website at www.yourfavoriteassemblyman.com