Baltimore County To Speed Up Installation Of AC In Schools

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- Baltimore County schools will have central air-conditioning installed sooner than expected, according to County Executive Kevin Kamenetz.

Dozens of county schools that began the 2016 school year without central air had been scheduled for upgrades over the next three years.

But last week, the Board of Public Works voted to withhold school construction funds from Baltimore city and county unless air-conditioning units were installed in all classrooms by next school year.

RELATED: Hogan Withholding School Funds Until Baltimore City, County Install AC

Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz announced Wednesday the county will advance the state the remaining $45 million expense, so all elementary and middle schools will have central air by fall 2017.

"Our students and teachers deserve a climate controlled and energy efficient central air conditioning system, and not window units from Home Depot, as suggested by the Governor and Comptroller.  Despite the fiscally irresponsible suggestion by Governor Hogan that Baltimore County waste money on temporary window air conditioning units, we insist on installing central air systems," said Executive Kamenetz. "Last week, Governor Hogan withheld $10 million of State funds as ransom so that we would capitulate and install window units. It's ridiculous that we have to advance the State's share of funding to do the job right the first time."

Four high schools slated for major renovation will have central air by fall 2018.