Madrid to Spend €1.24 Billion to Cool Schools After Official Said Heat 'Inspires' Children

The regional government of Madrid, led by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, announced on Monday a €1.24 billion plan to improve climate control, energy efficiency, and accessibility in nearly 1,400 public educational centers across the region. The announcement comes three months after the regional Culture Minister, Mariano de Paco, dismissed complaints about hot classrooms by saying heat could be a "source of inspiration" for children. He added, "I did my basic schooling in Murcia, and when it's hot, it's hot." Ayuso has now adopted the opposition's stance, acknowledging that rising temperatures are "an unprecedented situation" not seen "before in Madrid." She stated that "now is the time to act urgently." Parent associations had warned that classrooms in Madrid exceeded 27 degrees Celsius in June, with some averaging 34.2 degrees. They insisted the problem was not "isolated or anecdotal" and demanded new investments. The plan will be managed jointly by two regional departments. The Education Ministry will provide up to €840 million for around 500 public high schools and nursery schools. The Presidency Ministry will add up to €400 million through the Regional Investment Program for 178 municipalities to improve their local schools. Works will target over 800 rural schools, primary schools, and municipal nurseries. The goal is to cover the entire public education network. Since 2019, the government says it has already completed over 1,500 climate-control actions in about 1,000 buildings, spending €59 million. An additional 111 projects, valued at €21 million, are planned for the new 2026/27 school year. The new investment will also fund sustainability upgrades, including better thermal insulation, solar panels, solar water heating systems, improved heating systems, and more efficient lighting.