It’s Time to Finish What We Started AC Units for ALL DSBN Schools

In 2019, I launched this petition because far too many schools across the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) were operating without proper air conditioning putting the health, safety, and learning of students and staff at risk.

Over 600 people stood with me including local councillors, mayors, educators, parents, and students. Together, we said loud and clear: air conditioning is not a luxury it’s a necessity.

Now, in 2025, many schools across Niagara still don’t have proper air conditioning. Students in both elementary and secondary schools are enduring extreme classroom heat year after year and we’re saying enough is enough.

Heat is a Health Hazard Especially for Young Children

• Classrooms can reach well over 30°C (86°F) during spring and summer months.
• Young children and teens are highly susceptible to heat exhaustion, dehydration, dizziness, and fainting.
• Students with asthma, anxiety, ADHD, sensory issues, and chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable.
• Teachers and staff are suffering too it’s unsafe for everyone.

Hot Classrooms Harm Learning

• Research shows student focus, memory, and performance drop significantly in overheated classrooms.
• Kids are more likely to be distracted, fatigued, and irritable leading to learning gaps and behaviour issues.
• Educators report higher stress levels and burnout when working in sweltering conditions.

This is a Matter of Equity

• Some DSBN schools are fully air-conditioned. Others rely on open windows and fans.
• No child should be punished for where they go to school every student deserves a safe and comfortable environment to learn.
• Air conditioning should be standard, not selective.

Climate Change is Not Going Away

• Niagara now experiences longer, hotter summers, with temperatures spiking as early as May and lasting into September.
• Extreme heat days in the region have doubled in the past two decades and projections say it’s only going to get worse.
• Our schools were not built for this we must adapt now to protect future generations.

This renewed petition calls on DSBN to make air conditioning a top priority in every school elementary and secondary across the region.