Newsroom
Air conditioning installation in schools is advancing ahead of the summer season, with authorities aiming to complete key phases in time for student exams and extend coverage across all education levels by 2026.
According to a source from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth, significant progress has been made this year. All high schools are expected to have fully installed and permanent air conditioning systems before the examination period begins. In lower secondary schools, classrooms used for exams will be equipped with cooling, while a full rollout across these schools is planned by September.
Kindergartens are already fully equipped with air conditioning, and many primary schools have systems in place. The Ministry plans to continue installations in primary schools, targeting completion by the end of 2026.
The project involves more than simply installing units. A major part of the work focuses on upgrading outdated electrical systems in school buildings. Many facilities have not been modernized for decades, creating safety concerns. For this reason, electrical improvements are being carried out first to ensure that the new systems can operate safely.
Separately, the Ministry addressed a proposal concerning teachers employed on indefinite contracts. The President of the Republic has referred the matter to the Supreme Court, citing the high financial cost and the fact that it had not been included in the budget. Another issue is that the proposal may interfere with executive authority.
Officials also questioned how permanent employment would work in practice when there is an oversupply of teachers in certain subject areas. They stressed that hiring should reflect actual staffing needs rather than adding more permanent positions. Cyprus already has more teaching posts than expected based on student-to-teacher ratios, which adds pressure to the system.
