EBBD - Temperature Standards for Schools

TEMPERATURE STANDARDS FOR SCHOOLS

The Acton School Committee believes the optimal environment (“comfort zone”) for teaching and learning is between a minimum of 65° and a maximum of 82° and adopts this as the “temperature standard” for the Acton School Department. 

The Committee recognizes that, due to age and manner of construction, the Department’s school building may not have HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems capable of maintaining consistent temperatures in this range in some or all areas of the building. 

When temperatures in the building as a whole or in classrooms or other occupied spaces exceed the maximum comfort zone by 3°, schools are expected to take practical measures to relieve heat discomfort, such as (but not limited to):


  • Opening windows, when this can be done safely

  • Pulling down shades or blinds

  • Using fans and/or opening doors within the building to improve air circulation

  • Turning off heat producing electronics and equipment

  • Having water readily available for students and staff

  • Allowing students and staff to bring battery operated personal fans to school

  • If an individual classroom is affected, allowing teachers to move students to a cooler area of the building (e.g., air conditioned library or space on shaded side of the building) or, if feasible, to move students to a cooler “outside classroom” for continued instruction.

  • On days of extreme heat, consider rescheduling tests/exams to another day to enable more effective demonstration and evaluation of student performance 

 This does not preclude building administrators from acting preemptively in anticipation of a rise in building/classroom temperature to the point that will require action to be taken.

 On cold days, when building and classroom temperatures hover near minimum, schools are encouraged to incorporate more opportunities for physical activity during class time and may consider having extra layers of clothing available. Parents should also ensure that their students are dressed appropriately for expected weather conditions.

 Building administrators will be responsible for implementation of this policy, including identifying and planning for measures that are feasible in the schools. 

 Adopted:   December 11, 2025