09.17.2025
West Orange families and students are beginning to see the results of a major long-term commitment by the Board of Education and district administration: bringing air conditioning to every elementary school classroom.
For many years, parents and PTA's have expressed concerns about hot classrooms during late spring and early fall. While there was interest in purchasing window units, the real challenge lay in the fact that the district’s older school buildings lacked the electrical capacity to support them.
In 2022, a full facilities review estimated that completely modernizing the district's HVAC systems, boilers, roofs, and other elements would cost nearly $200 million—an amount far beyond the district’s means. Rather than setting the issue aside, the Board and administration developed a practical solution: upgrade the electrical systems in each elementary school, so window air conditioning units could be installed.
The plan was built into the 2024–25 budget, with funding allocated, and a timeline put in place. Work began in early 2024, and by June, Washington Elementary School became the first to benefit. Over the summer, electrical improvements were completed at St. Cloud and Kelly Elementary Schools, with units now being finalized. The remaining schools—Hazel, Gregory, Mt. Pleasant, and Redwood—are scheduled for upgrades during the 2025–26 school year. The full project is expected to be complete by September 2026, ensuring that all elementary school students return to climate-controlled classrooms.
Although supply chain challenges caused delays, the Board and administration remain committed to moving the project forward. Funding was secured through a combination of the operating budget and capital reserves, reflecting a clear investment in both student well-being and the long-term health of district facilities.
This initiative marks a turning point for West Orange schools. What was once an ongoing concern for families is now a visible success, achieved through careful planning, persistence, and a shared commitment to creating safe, comfortable, and modern learning environments.
