Cooler Classrooms are in Store for Some Hawaiian Students

The Department of Education (DOE) recently announced that they’re setting aside $500,000 to buy air conditioning units for Hawaiian schools that have been suffering from record-breaking temperatures. This is great news for students and teachers alike.

According to a spokesman for the DOE, 57 units have been sent to schools so far. They decided which rooms would get units based on the average high temperature within the school. Of course the classrooms chosen also had to have the electrical capacity to handle running an A/C unit.

This is welcome news to these schools, where students were sent to the health room every day for issues related to heat. There’s no question that heat can cause serious issues, like dehydration, heat stroke, and others. But of course beyond these dangerous conditions, heat can make it hard for students to concentrate, which certainly detracts from their education.

Hawaiian schools have purchased 200 units themselves and plans to buy more. Budgets aren’t the only constraint though. Several rooms that need air conditioning don’t have enough power to run them. Some teachers have become frustrated at the way the recipients are chosen. It makes sense that the hottest rooms would get the air conditioners first, but Hawaii has seen record temperatures and no room in these schools, which don’t have central air conditioning, is at a comfortable temperature without a unit.

Of course those who’ve used these units are rejoicing at the difference. Students are more alert, more comfortable, and are able to concentrate on their studies. Teachers can likewise concentrate on imparting an education on their students and no longer have to be diligent about keeping an eye out for signs of heat stroke. They can also save some cash, as many teachers have purchased fans and bottled water out of their own pocket.

At AC-World we’re very aware of the issues of not having a cool classroom. People who believe air conditioning is all about comfort don’t realize that this is a serious health issue, and trying to learn in these conditions is more than a minor inconvenience. That’s why we provide high quality, affordable air conditioners to our customers.