Boston City Council Education Committee Hearing on HVAC Updates in Boston Public Schools - September 15, 2026

The Boston City Council's Committee on Education, chaired by Councilor Julia Mejia, held a hearing on September 15, 2026, starting at 10:37 AM, to discuss the status of HVAC updates in Boston Public Schools (Docket #1334). The hearing was sponsored by Councilor Pepang and co-sponsored by Councilors Braden and Fitzgerald. Administration officials Brian Ford (Chief of Operations, BPS) and Dr. Sam Depina (Deputy Superintendent, BPS) presented updates and answered questions from council members. The meeting highlighted significant progress from 38 schools with cooling in 2021 to over 100 schools with cooling today, but noted that four schools still lack air conditioning. Public testimony from parents of affected schools urged immediate and permanent solutions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Teal Cole (parent at Mozart Elementary, Roslindale): Described temperatures reaching 91°F in classrooms, with averages above 80°F for weeks. She stated that learning cannot occur under these conditions, and that temporary measures like cooling zones and popsicles are ineffective. She requested a concrete plan for permanent cooling, noting that the building's electrical infrastructure is too outdated for window units. She argued that noise from portable generators should not outweigh the need for a cool learning environment.
• Ben Engel (parent at Mather Elementary, Dorchester; chair of parent council): Reported classroom temperatures exceeding 100°F during the school year, with some rooms still over 80°F on a 64°F day. He characterized the situation as an emergency and criticized BPS's formal response to the community's petition as lacking substance, with no timeline, funding commitment, or accountable plan. He called on the council to use oversight and budget authority to press BPS for a concrete, funded plan with clear milestones for electrical infrastructure upgrades at Mather.
• Katie Williams (parent at Mozart Elementary; pediatric nurse practitioner): Explained the heightened health risks for children, including faster heat absorption, less developed sweating, and quicker dehydration. She described her children coming home tired, with red faces and empty water bottles. She expressed hope that the hearing would lead to updates without threatening school closure or merger, emphasizing the strong school community.

Discussion Items

• Opening Remarks: Councilors Peppang, Fitzgerald, Flynn, Murphy, Louis Jean, Culpepper, and Chair Mejia all expressed support for HVAC improvements and noted the importance of comfortable learning environments. Chair Mejia highlighted that eight BPS buildings remain without full air conditioning, with average classroom temperatures near 80°F and peaks over 90°F. She referenced a Boston Globe article about Mather students wrapping themselves in wet paper towels.
• Administration Presentation (Brian Ford and Dr. Sam Depina):
  • Reported that over half of BPS buildings were built before World War II. In 2021, only 38 schools had cooling; now over 100 have cooling systems.
  • Three schools (Lee, Bates, Kenny) are undergoing HVAC installation, targeted for completion by December 31, 2026.
  • Four schools remain without air conditioning: Community Academy (now Life by Design), Mather Elementary, Mozart Elementary, and Shaw Taylor Elementary (Taylor Building).
  • For Shaw Taylor, the district has been accepted into the MSBA Core Program to build a new school, with estimated construction completion by December 2030.
  • Temporary measures include cooling zones (nurse's office and two additional spaces per school), fans, air purifiers, popsicles ($12,000 annually district-wide), misting tents, and encouraging schools to share resources.
  • Estimated cost for full HVAC/electrical upgrades at the four remaining sites: approximately $35.4 million, or $24 million excluding Shaw Taylor. Costs may increase due to code triggers.
  • The Lee Academy, a school with HVAC work completed, is in its last year of enrollment but will be kept for educational purposes. BPS spent $4.2 million on HVAC investments there since 2022.
  • BPS maintains an indoor air quality dashboard with real-time data on temperature, humidity, and CO2, and partners with Boston University for research.
• Councilor Questions and Concerns:
  • Councilor Peppang (District 5) asked for specific timelines for Bates and Mozart. Ford stated that Bates, Lee, and Kenny are on track for December 2026. For Mozart, a $3.4 million (adjusted) electrical upgrade is needed, but the building's age may trigger a larger project. Ford noted the electrical capacity at Mozart is similar to a residential home.
  • Councilor Fitzgerald (District 3) inquired about Eversource involvement for panel upgrades. Ford clarified that internal panels are BPS's responsibility, but utility companies may need to upgrade transformers and laterals to support higher loads.
  • Councilor Louis Jean asked about alternative venues for events at non-cooled schools. Ford suggested using nearby schools with AC and exploring neighborhood spaces.
  • Councilor Culpepper pressed for total cost estimates. Ford provided the $35.4 million and $24 million figures, but noted that the capital plan does not have all those dollars available specifically for these sites due to competing needs. Dr. Depina added that staff capacity limits the pace of project management.
  • Councilor Mejia questioned spending on triage measures and requested a detailed breakdown. She also raised concerns about the $4.2 million spent on Lee Academy, which is closing, and asked for clarity on repurposing closed school HVAC equipment. Ford confirmed that equipment from closed schools is repurposed where possible.
  • Councilor Weber asked about the difference between capital budget lines for HVAC repairs and improvements, and about lessons learned from the JFK geothermal pilot. Dr. Depina said the pilot is still being assessed.
  • Councilor Flynn asked about generators and maintenance. Ford explained that generators are sized to building load and are exercised regularly.
  • Councilor Mejia also asked about minimum heat standards in winter (66-68°F) and ventilation. Ford assured that all buildings have heat and meet or exceed ventilation standards, with IAQ sensors monitored three times daily.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or decisions were taken; the hearing was informational.
• Councilors directed BPS to provide written follow-up on: detailed spending on cooling triage measures (e.g., popsicles, fans, wet towels); specific timelines for electrical upgrades at the four remaining schools; total cost breakdowns with line-item clarity; and a plan for community engagement regarding Lee Academy's future use.
• Councilor Mejia requested that the Budget Office participate in future hearings to better address fiscal questions.
• The lead sponsor, Councilor Peppang, called for continued oversight and working sessions to track progress until all schools have HVAC.
• Public testimony from three parents was entered into the record, and written comments will be shared with all councilors.