Guilford Schools Receive $1.25M In State Funding

GUILFORD, CT – Guilford Schools will receive $1.25 million to support air quality improvements and upgrades.

"I'm thrilled that the Guilford school system is in the first round to receive this critical funding," State Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) said.

In 2022, the General Assembly voted to create the Indoor Air Quality Grant Program to improve school ventilation and air conditions statewide. Local and regional boards of education and regional education service centers can use those funds to make valuable improvements.

"The Guilford Board of Education greatly appreciates the $1.2 million in funding received through Connecticut's HVAC Indoor Air Quality grants," Dr. Kate Balestracci said. "We are committed to providing a healthy environment for our students to learn and develop, and are grateful that our state leaders and legislators share in this commitment."

Guilford Schools will receive three grants, each supporting air quality improvements and upgrades in local schools through the HVAC Indoor Air Quality Program for Public Schools.

"Students and teachers deserve a safe learning environment and clean classroom air. I look forward to this funding rolling out across the twelfth district and our state," Cohen said.

Baldwin Middle School will receive $480,502.45, Guilford Lakes School will receive $432,404.46, and Cox Elementary School will receive $338,654.79.

"Paying for a mid-to-large scale capital project can be challenging for a school district, so awards such as these are welcome news for leaders in small towns like Guilford," State Representative Vincent Candelora (R-Guilford) said.

"This is a major investment in school infrastructure. Today's announcement reaffirms the State of Connecticut's commitment to a healthy and safe learning environment," Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz said.

These funds can be used to replace, upgrade, or repair boilers and other heating and ventilation components; replace controls and technology systems related to HVAC operations; install or upgrade air conditioning or ventilation systems; and other similar work approved by the Department of Administrative Services.

"These awards are yet another example of the proactive approach we take locally in Guilford to ensure healthy and efficient school environments, of the positive partnership that we have and support that we continue to receive from Hartford, and of the strong and effective representation that Guilford continues to benefit from at the state level. These awards highlight our local and state-level commitment to our children," Superintendent Dr. Paul Freeman said.