Too Hot or Too Cold? Classroom Temperatures Are Affecting Learning

By Keyara Dorsch-Garcia and Sariah Jenkins

February 5, 2026

 

Cold hands, heavy jackets, and overheated classrooms have become a common experience for students during the winter months at Urban Assembly Maker Academy. Some students say inconsistent classroom temperatures make it difficult to stay comfortable and focused during class.

 

Throughout the winter, students report that classroom temperatures can shift dramatically from day to day. Some rooms feel extremely warm while others remain cold, making it hard for students to adjust during lessons.

 

Amy Piller, principal of UA Maker, said the temperature problems are connected to the building’s aging heating system and ongoing renovations taking place across the campus.

 

According to Piller, the school is currently undergoing improvements through a $5 million space planning grant that began in December 2021 and is expected to be completed in December 2026.

 

“That grant funded improvements to a number of spaces,” Piller said. The renovation project also includes repairs to major parts of the building’s infrastructure. “They’re repairing the backup generator, the roof, and replacing exterior windows,” Piller said. “Another big part of the project is upgrading the HVAC system.”

 

However, temperature problems continue because the building currently relies on two different heating systems that must work together. “The larger common spaces are connected to a newer automated HVAC system,” Piller said. “But many classrooms are still connected to the older pneumatic system.”

 

Because both systems operate differently, balancing temperatures across the building can be difficult. “Whenever there are heating issues, there’s both an automatic electrical system and the older pneumatic system,” Piller said. “That makes it complicated because there are two different types of heat to balance.”

 

As a result, classroom temperatures can vary widely throughout the building. “Some classrooms can be above 80 degrees while others are below 50,” Piller said. “I think it’s deeply problematic and one of my primary concerns.”

 

Some students say the temperature situation has improved slightly compared with earlier in the school year.

 

“They’ve done better with the temperature,” said Willa Schwartz, a sophomore at UA Maker. “It’s been warmer, and it’s not as bad as it was before.”

 

Still, other students say changing temperatures continue to affect their comfort during class.

 

“I was feeling cold and didn’t want to wear my huge winter jacket inside,” said Isabella Morban, a sophomore at UA Maker. “Sometimes it’s freezing outside and then really hot in class, and it’s hard to adjust.”

 

Teachers say student clothing choices can also contribute to the discomfort.

 

“Very often students who complain about how warm it is are layered,” said Keisha Darius, a journalism teacher at UA Maker. “They may be wearing multiple shirts, a hoodie, and a jacket, which can make the room feel warmer.”

 

Piller said resolving the heating issues requires coordination between multiple city agencies.

 

“It’s a mix of the Division of School Facilities, the School Construction Authority, and the school itself trying to resolve the issue,” she said.

 

If the HVAC upgrades are completed as planned, Piller said the building’s heating and cooling systems should work more consistently.

 

Until then, students and staff say they will continue adjusting to changing classroom temperatures while hoping the renovations lead to a more comfortable learning environment.