Norwalk Celebrates $36 Million in School HVAC Upgrades 

NORWALK, Conn. — State and city leaders gathered at Naramake Elementary School in Norwalk on Thursday to celebrate the completion of approximately $36 million in major heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades at six schools across the city. The upgrades were completed ahead of the 2026-27 school year, with the goal of making the schools more comfortable, healthy, and productive learning environments for students, teachers, and staff.

A new funding program made the work possible by allowing the city to receive reimbursement for repairs and replacements that otherwise would not qualify for state funding. The program will allow Norwalk to receive approximately $21 million from the state for the upgrades, thanks to a special 60% reimbursement rate. 

Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said the program’s reimbursement rate will help save city taxpayers money.

“This is the first grant for Norwalk with a 60% reimbursement rate,” said Duff. “This was really important for us, because it saves city taxpayers a lot of money.”

At the event, both state and city leaders stressed the importance of adequate heating and cooling. Norwalk Mayor Barbara Smyth reflected on her own time spent as a teacher in the city.

“I have firsthand experience of being in classrooms that did not have appropriate HVAC,” said Smyth, who formerly worked as an English teacher at both Ponus Middle School and Norwalk High School.

The upgrades varied by school. According to a press release, they included new chillers and air conditioning for the Brien McMahon High School gym, which also serves as Norwalk’s emergency shelter.

Brookside and Marvin Elementary Schools received replacement rooftop units and new air conditioning in their gyms, and at Rowayton Elementary School, crews installed new boilers and air conditioning throughout the building.

At Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School, crews installed new boilers and an upgraded building management system. And in Naramake Elementary School, where Thursday’s celebration was held, air conditioning was installed throughout the school.

“Our schools are some of the most important buildings in our city,” said Smyth. “We have a responsibility to make sure they are safe, comfortable and equipped to support learning.”

The installations were completed in time for students to begin the new school year in the newly updated schools.