The Impact of High Temperatures on Learning and Wellbeing

This fall, schools across New York State will face a new challenge: compliance with recently passed indoor temperature regulations. Starting in September 2025, all NY school districts must ensure classroom temperatures remain below 88°F. Once a classroom reaches 82°F, schools must take mitigating steps such as providing water, adjusting schedules, or using fans. If indoor temperatures hit 88°F, students must be relocated.

This couldn’t come at a more important time.

Across the U.S., nearly 40% of public school buildings have outdated HVAC systems. With rising outdoor temperatures, especially in the early and late parts of the school year, heat inside classrooms can become unbearable and, in some cases, dangerous. We’ve also seen growing evidence that high indoor heat affects not only student health but also learning and concentration.

SmartSense: A Proven Solution for Classroom Temperature Monitoring

Real-Time Heat Monitoring with SGS SmartSense

So how can schools stay ahead of these thresholds especially when HVAC upgrades are financially out of reach for many districts? That’s where SGS SmartSense technology comes in.

Originally introduced during the pandemic to help schools monitor ventilation and air quality, SmartSense is now being used to monitor indoor heat in real time. Over 4,000 SmartSense units are currently in place across the Boston District School Board, tracking temperature, humidity, and CO₂ in classrooms minute by minute.

With SmartSense, school administrators receive immediate alerts as classroom temperatures climb. This allows them to identify hot zones, especially in older or upper-floor classrooms, and take action before reaching the critical 82°F and 88°F thresholds.

Our sensors:

• Track temperature, humidity, and other air quality indicators
• Provide instant access to real-time data via the cloud
• Help schools identify and respond to heat issues before they escalate
• Are built and maintained by SGS, ensuring reliability and support

Unlike full HVAC overhauls, SmartSense is affordable and scalable, making it a practical option for rural and lower-income school districts. Many have already implemented similar systems using grant funding or COVID relief dollars.

New York is the first state to pass this kind of law, but it likely won’t be the last. As more districts and states recognize the health and academic risks of overheated classrooms, real-time heat monitoring will become essential.

SmartSense is a tested, reliable solution that gives schools the data they need to comply with new laws and more importantly, to protect students and staff.

If your district is preparing for these changes, SGS is here to help.