$25M requested to keep Hawaii classrooms cool

The Hawaii Department of Education is asking lawmakers for $25 million to help keep classrooms cool.

The department presented its supplemental budget request before the state House Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

The request totals nearly $32 million in operating funds and $164 in capital improvement project funds.

Many have complained about stifling classroom temperatures that routinely reach the 90s.

The department also wants $10 million in upgrades for science classrooms at 12 high schools.

According to the department’s supplemental budget presentation, administrative requests include $70,000 for an early learning coordinator and $256,000 for a teacher mentor program.

Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi touts positive attention Hawaii schools received recently, including praise from federal officials for gains on the National Assessment of Education Progress.