In a major step toward improving classroom conditions, the Harford County Board of Education has officially approved the installation of a new air conditioning system at Youth’s Benefit Elementary School. This long-anticipated decision comes in response to concerns from parents, teachers, and students about excessive classroom temperatures, particularly during the warmer months. The new system aims to create a more comfortable and conducive learning environment for students and staff alike.
Addressing Overheated Classrooms
For years, Youth’s Benefit Elementary School has struggled with inadequate cooling, making it difficult for students to focus on lessons during hot and humid weather. Many parents and educators have voiced concerns that overheated classrooms negatively impact students’ concentration, productivity, and overall well-being. With temperatures often reaching uncomfortable levels, learning conditions have been far from ideal.
School officials and board members acknowledged these concerns and prioritized the installation of a modern HVAC system to ensure a more climate-controlled environment. The decision aligns with Harford County’s broader efforts to upgrade facilities and provide better educational settings for all students.
Benefits of the New Air Conditioning System
The addition of air conditioning at Youth’s Benefit Elementary School is expected to bring several key advantages:
- Enhanced Learning Conditions – Studies show that excessive heat in classrooms can significantly hinder student performance. A cooler environment will allow students to remain focused and engaged throughout the school day.
- Improved Teacher and Staff Comfort – Educators will also benefit from a more comfortable teaching environment, enabling them to provide high-quality instruction without the distraction of extreme heat.
- Better Air Quality – Modern HVAC systems help filter and circulate air, reducing allergens and pollutants that can affect students with asthma and respiratory conditions.
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability – The newly approved air conditioning system will be designed with energy-efficient technology to minimize operational costs while maintaining a comfortable indoor climate.
Community Support and Implementation Plan
The installation project will be carried out in phases, with completion expected before the peak of the next summer season. The Board of Education is working with top HVAC specialists to ensure a seamless transition, minimizing disruptions to the school’s daily operations.
Local companies specializing in air conditioning installation and maintenance have expressed their support for the initiative. Businesses like RC Air Conditioning have highlighted the importance of high-quality HVAC solutions in educational settings, ensuring that students and teachers can thrive in a comfortable and efficient learning environment.
Looking Ahead
The approval of air conditioning for Youth’s Benefit Elementary School marks a significant milestone in Harford County’s commitment to enhancing school infrastructure. By investing in modern climate control systems, the Board of Education is prioritizing student success and well-being.
As other schools in the district continue to evaluate their facility needs, the hope is that more upgrades will follow, creating better learning environments for all students. For now, families and staff at Youth’s Benefit Elementary School can look forward to a cooler, more comfortable future in the classroom.
Recognized the following:
– 2012 Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Association (UCBAC) and Bayside Coach of the Year Ryan Arist
– 2012 Cheer Ltd. Aberdeen Dance Team Champions
– 2012 Maryland Educators of Gifted Students – MEGGY Awards
– 2012 Parent Involvement Matters Award Semifinalist – Carmen Kifer
– 2012 National World Baton Twirling Association World Championship
Approved the Consent Agenda:
– Affirmation of Monthly Contracts
– Minutes of Previous Meetings:
April 30, 2012
– Decision on Award of Contract: Jarrettsville Elementary School – HVAC Systemic Replacement Project
– Decision on Surplus of Board Property Located on Shucks Road, Revised Final Plat Dated 1-31-11
– Amended decision on Transfer of Funds Between Capital Projects
– Decision on Contract: Instructional Professional Development Program
– Youth’s Benefit Elementary School – Air Conditioning Project
Approved the Consent Agenda item that was tabled at the April 30, 2012 meeting regarding
Approved the following Appointments and Promotions to:
– Elementary Instruction Facilitator Pool
Ms. Janice Kehl, reading teacher, William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary
Ms. Melissa Surgeon, mentor, Churchville/George D. Lisby at Hillsdale elementary schools
Ms. Gail Weidner, mentor, Emmorton/Havre de Grace elementary schools
– Elementary Assistant Principal Pool 10-month Pool
Ms. Renee Burgess, assistant principal/educational associate, Baltimore City Public Schools
Ms. Jessica Hoover, enrichment teacher, Hickory Elementary School
Ms. Stacey McCord, fifth grade teacher, Homestead/Wakefield Elementary School
– Secondary Assistant Principal 10-month High and Middle School Pool
Mr. Albert Johnson, model department chair, CEO
– Secondary Assistant Principal 10-Month High School Pool
Ms. Regina Jones, English teacher, Bel Air High
Ms. Mary Kay Malone, guidance counselor, Patterson Mill High
Mr. Mark Manzo, social studies teacher, Aberdeen High
Mr. John Stearns, health occupations teacher, Harford Technical High
– Secondary Assistant Principal 10-Month Middle School Pool
Mr. Jason Redmond, physical science teacher, Edgewood Middle
Mr. Karla Weinhold, social studies teacher, Patterson Mill Middle
– Secondary Assistant Principal 12-Month Middle School Pool
Ms. Chrisine Kelly, assistant principal, Fallston Middle
Ms. Anna Lisa Standish, assistant principal 10-month, Patterson Mill Middle
– Secondary Assistant Principal 12-Month High School Pool
Ms. DeAnn Webb, assistant principal, Edgewood High
Received a presentation from Assistant Superintendent Jim Jewell regarding the March 31, 2012 Quarterly Financial Report.
Superintendent’s Report:
– Recognized HCPS Legal Counsel Patrick Spicer for his short story, “Spooze’s Shack – A Story of Harford County” which will be featured on the local author shelf in the Harford County Public Library library’s Maryland Room.
– Recognized Joppatowne High School teacher Ms. Eve Bour who was recently recognized as “Outstanding High School Educator in Geographic Information and Sciences (GIS)” by Towson University. Ms. Bour was recognized for her contribution to GIS in Maryland at Towson University’s 25th Annual GIS Conference on March 20, 2012.
Runeyon: “Spending Nearly $3 Million on Air Conditioning for a School that Needs to be Replaced Just Does Not Make Sense”
http://www.daggerpress.com/2012/05/01/runeyon-spending-nearly-3-million-on-air-conditioning-for-a-school-that-needs-to-be-replaced-just-does-not-make-sense/
Thank you Board of Ed. I’ve seen the comments about why air in a school that may need to be replaced. My answer – why should kids pay for poor planning of adults. There’s probably enough more foolish spending out there that could be reigned in to cover the cost.
It was not poor planning at the time YBES was built in an era when no schools got Air Conditioning. I do agree the building has outlived it’s usefullness in our current society but do not say it was poor planning because when it was built it was built to the time.
Now if they could only arrange to recoup the investment in this HVAC to save their taxpayers the money they may have to pay twice for air conditioning, not just in this building, but the building that replaces it.
Yep I come from that era when schools had no air – we had fans, water and sweat. Not blaming anybody for that – just the way it was. But in a modern era – the poor planning part comes in as to why it took this long to rectify the problem in light of modern school construction requirements.
Cdev, I’ve heard how the roof leaks and students sit next to buckets in the classroom. Why bandaid one of many problems on a school that has an approved impact study from 2007? I don’t want to pay twice for this. It seems more fiscally responcible to bank the HVAC money for a new school.
If your interest is getting a new school you might want to describe it as bad as possible. I would like a newer bigger house but I can’t afford it on my salary so I make due by repairing when I need to and adding a few upgrades when I have some extra money. I have to live within my means so does the county.
Beyond the roof leaking, beyond the HVAC,
How many schools in Harford County have lead in their drinking water, from lead in the plumbing? Just saying…..Yup what that school needs is a band aid.
I think some valid points were made by the BOE about the AC and the CE’s capital budget. I watched the rerun of the CC’s comments about the CE’s proposed capital budget and they didn’t think much of it either. Just because the CE puts it in a proposal is no guarantee the money will actually be approved by the CC. Mr. Boniface has been pretty clear that the CC does not want to bond any more for new schools. To over extend the county dept could jeopardize our AAA bond rating. It could be a long time before the CC wants to go down that road again. At least the people at YB will have air like everybody else.
A good education can be one of the reason when students have a good and comfortable place.