Acoustic tests confirm classroom reverberation targets while air noise exceeds standards

The Simsbury Sustainability Committee made significant strides in improving classroom acoustics during their recent meeting on March 3, 2025. The committee reviewed a report from Kavanagh Tachi, which conducted tests on reverberation times in various classrooms. The results indicated that most classrooms met the target reverberation times of 0.6 seconds for smaller rooms and 0.7 seconds for larger spaces, a positive outcome for the learning environment.

However, one classroom, Room 142, recorded a higher reverberation time of 0.8 seconds. To address this, the committee plans to install approximately 200 square feet of acoustical panels, with costs expected to be around $6,000, significantly lower than the initial estimate of $60,000. This adjustment aims to enhance sound quality in the classroom, ensuring a better educational experience for students.

In addition to reverberation concerns, the committee identified issues with ambient background noise levels, which were found to be higher than the desired 35 decibels, measuring between 40 and 45 decibels in some classrooms. The committee is committed to resolving this issue by collaborating with a mechanical engineer to analyze airflow and make necessary adjustments.

The meeting also included discussions about the technology vendor for a three-way communication system, indicating ongoing efforts to improve communication infrastructure within the district. Overall, the committee's proactive approach to addressing acoustic challenges reflects a commitment to fostering an optimal learning environment for students in Simsbury.