Just five of the 31 southern Riverina schools selected to receive air-conditioning under the NSW government's Cooler Classrooms scheme have begun the school year with the units installed.
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In November 2018, Gladys Berejiklian announced 900 schools would receive cooling, heating and fresh air ventilation systems over five years through the $500 million scheme.
About 30 Border and Riverina schools were named in round one of the scheme, but more than two years into the project only five systems have been delivered.
Of the 10 Albury schools eligible only one has had air conditioning installed, James Fallon High School.
So far, Corowa South Public School, Deniliquin High School, Deniliquin South Public School and Urana Public School have also had their systems completed.
Eight schools - Albury North Public School, Billabong High School, Brocklesby Public School, Deniliquin North Public School, Hume Public School, Jerilderie Public School, Lavington East Public School, Walla Walla Public School - are in the delivery phase of the project.
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Another 16 schools are in the design phase.
No work has begun on the project for Burrumbuttock Public School and Wewak Street School.
Last year, the temperature reached 42.8 degrees Celsius in February in Albury and 41.5 in Deniliquin.
A Department of Education spokesman said the program was a $500 million investment in schools.
The department did not give a timeframe for when the southern Riverina installations and designs would be complete.
"By the end of 2020, installation had been completed at 199 schools across NSW, including more than 3000 learning spaces and 222 libraries," he said. "The Cooler Classrooms Program remains committed to prioritising schools in the hottest parts of the state and is continuing its five year rollout."
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
