Renovation of an educational facility in West Hartford, Connecticut. Conceptual plans call for the renovation of a educational facility.

The majority of our elementary schools were built prior to 1964 and lack modern fresh air ventilation, air conditioning, and have their original single-pane glass window systems. The single-pane glass window systems were intended by design to leak air as a means of providing fresh air. Modern building standards require fresh air to be provided via mechanical air handlers in which outside air is brought in, filtered to remove contaminants, and mixed with existing air with a certain percentage being expelled to the outside and the remaining air being recirculated into the building based upon carbon dioxide levels. Many studies have shown that proper fresh air and comfort is a substantial benefit to student success in a learning environment. Two of our elementary schools have building-wide fresh air and air conditioning systems (Charter Oak International Academy and Smith), two elementary schools have building-wide fresh air systems with limited air conditioning (Braeburn and Wolcott), and the remaining seven elementary schools have limited fresh air and air conditioning along with single-pane window systems. In the 1970s, many of the single-pane window systems were in-filled with sheetrock and insulation in order to help save energy. While this action did save on energy costs, it reduced the number of operable windows in the building, reduced the amount of fresh air entering the building, and also reduced the amount of natural light. As part of the school reopening process necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, a retrocommissioning project was conducted by a mechanical engineering consultant to assess and recommend repairs and/or adjustments to our existing HVAC systems in all 16 schools to increase fresh air ventilations and improve air filtration levels where feasible. This project has provided the district with a solid starting point to evaluate and make improvements to improve fresh air quality in the schools. This program enhancement provides funding over a 15-year period to make improvements at the nine elementary schools that lack modern fresh air, air conditioning, and modern window systems. The funding this year will go to Webster Hill. This project is included in the Town of West Hartford FY 2024-2035 Adopted Capital Improvement Program. Further information regarding a design firm and timeline for construction has not yet been established. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.