Williams Middle Magnet School is one big work zone.
Crews have been hard at work for weeks outfitting the school with a brand new air conditioning system before school resumes in August.
“It’s a huge undertaking,” said Chris Farkas, deputy superintendent of operations. “I think as we’ve walked, you’ve seen the vast undertaking it takes just to replace one school’s air conditioning.”
The price tag to overhaul the air conditioning system at Williams stands at more than $7 million.
The district is in the midst of ten big A/C fixes, costing tens of millions.
But at least 40 schools need replacements at a cost of more than $343 million, district records show.
The State of Florida provides inadequate funding to the district, leaders say, and those fixes are now on the back burner.
“And that number will only increase as we go forward. And an A/C system typically, a big system like this, is 20 to 25 years if everything goes right,” Farkas said.
According to district records, there are 48 maintenance people on staff devoted to the district’s A/C systems.
Those staffers are ready to jump in to solve any issues.
Leaders got more than 200 complaints about hot classrooms at the start of school in 2017.
Parents are certainly aware of the importance of a learning environment that includes cool conditions.
“It limits distraction. It’s health. It’s something that everyone needs – great A/C. Should be great right, no doubt about it!” said Elliot, who didn’t want to give his last name.
