Behind the Extreme Temperatures in the Gyms

The inconsistency in temperatures in Stuyvesant’s gymnasiums has been an ongoing cause of complaint among physical education teachers and students. There are concerns that such facilities may breed discomfort and inhibit motivation and potential. Issues with building infrastructure and technological malfunctions have been discovered to be the cause of these problems.

The third floor gymnastics gymnasium is often reported to be excessively cold, despite being separated from the third floor main gym, which is often reported to be extremely hot, by only a dividing wall. The sixth floor gymnasium has also reported to be extremely hot at times. These temperature variations can impede athletic performance and can put students’ health at risk. “When it gets too hot it could be a serious problem,” physical education teacher Howard Barbin said. “I try to modify the activities and I let students bring water. We really don’t want to take away any physical activity, but we try not to push them too hard, because overexertion can be dangerous.”

The root cause of the issue can be traced back to the construction of the new Stuyvesant High School building in 1992. Structural errors that occurred during this construction period led to problematic air ventilation pathways that contributed to the drastic temperature differences. Moreover, air conditioning and heating units were not initially situated in areas that we deem necessary today. Therefore, some of the units are older than others and, as a result, less effective.

When an air conditioning unit or other associated aspects break down, the custodians can fill a request form for repair by the DOE’s (Department of Education) Division of School Facilities (DSF). “We make repairs with either DOE staff or outside contractors‎ depending on the job. Borough Maintenance Planners at DSF assign the work in the most efficient manner,” DSF Chief Executive Officer John Shea said in an e-mail interview. However, the DSF prioritizes issues that present an immediate danger to the health and safety of students.

In order to fully resolve the issue, new heating and cooling units would have to be purchased. The administration needs funding from the DOE as well, in the form of grants. These grants have been requested and are currently pending approval. “We have to follow procedure and [gain approval] from the DOE and the building department in order for us to act upon these issues and make effective change,” Principal Jie Zhang said.

However, at its annual Spring Feast fundraiser, the Stuyvesant Parent Association (PA) in correspondence with Zhang, has moved forward and acquired funds for replacement air conditioning units. Additionally, the school is beginning to notify the DSF in order for change to be implemented as soon as possible, although the administration is unsure of when exactly these changes will be enacted as they rely on the DSF for much of this implementation.

Zhang recognizes the importance of the issue and continues to take steps towards addressing the extreme temperatures. “Improving the temperature issue by installing air conditioning and heating units [is] definitely at the top of my agenda,” she said. “The only thing we can do at the moment to accommodate student is to allow the custodians to handle the situation [with the DOE].”