In September 2022, Novato had record-breaking highs of 111 degrees. In July 2024, the Marin Independent Journal reported a Novato high temperature of 107 degrees. With increasingly warmer weather coming more frequently and high temperature spikes throughout the year, our children's classrooms can get extremely uncomfortable. 

A study conducted by Pennsylvania State University found that the ideal temperature range for effective learning in reading and mathematics is between 68-74 degrees. Experts and research suggest that temperatures above 80 degrees can negatively impact student learning and well-being. When classrooms become too hot, students and teachers experience difficulty concentrating—leading to decreased learning and performance, and potentially heat-related illnesses.

The money that was raised at the 2023 auction was not enough to complete the project. We still need upgrades to our electrical infrastructure before we can install the air conditioning units in each of the classrooms. 

Let's finish what we started and complete this project to ensure our kids can stay cool and maximize their learning potential and wellbeing.