The state government's schools air conditioning program came under attack during budget estimates last month, after it was revealed that the waiting list has hardly diminished in the year since it was announced.
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Of the 1300 schools on the Cooler Classrooms waiting list, only 27 schools have so far had air conditioners and fresh air ventilation systems installed.
Additionally, 145 schools are currently in the pre-construction and tender phases, including five schools in Wagga and one in Tumut.
Forest Hill Public, Kooringal Public, North Wagga Public, Sturt Public, Wagga High School and Tumut Public are expected to receive their installations soon, according to Sarah Mitchell, NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning.
"The Cooler Classrooms program is much more than attaching air conditioning units to the walls of classrooms," Ms Mitchell said in a statement to The Daily Advertiser.
"The department is designing each system for each individual school, allowing them to keep the temperature and running costs low."
An NSW Department of Education spokesperson fronted the budget estimates this week and said that the timeframe for installation would vary from school to school, based on the specifics of the classroom and access to electrical advantages.
Though, the spokesperson said each installation is expected to take no less than 12 weeks of onsite work.
When it was announced last year, the Cooler Classrooms program was touted as a five-year installation process.
But since only two per cent of wait-listed schools have received solutions in the past year, the minister faced questions on whether the scope of the project would need to be revised.
Speaking with The Daily Advertiser, Ms Mitchell did confirm her commitment to see the Riverina be placed as a priority for the roll-out, especially as another year of high summer temperatures looms.
"The installation of these systems is a complicated process and challenges are unique to each school but the department is working hard to deliver this program to schools in hotter parts of the state as a priority," she said.
"There are 116 schools in regional areas currently in the pre-construction or construction phase including six schools in the Wagga area which are in the design or tender phase."