AUBURN — Students at Fairview Elementary School will return to a healthier, safer school, Billy Hunter, support services director for Auburn schools, said.

In addition to the usual cleaning and painting, Fairview got a parking lot redesign with more parking to improve safety at dismissal. The parking lot was completed Thursday, and will be ready for the first day of school, Hunter said.

Fairview also got a new, energy-efficient ventilation air conditioning system to help students stay focused with healthier air.

Fairview and Walton elementary schools both got heating, ventilation and air conditioning work this summer, with the $1.3 million cost paid by the state’s revolving loan program. State taxpayers pick up 52 percent of the costs, Auburn taxpayers the remaining 48 percent. The loan payments are built into the school department’s budget under capital improvements.

Parking improvements cost $485,000 and came out of the budget’s capital improvements.

The new air systems were turned on two weeks ago. Custodian Jim Hudson said he feels a big difference. “I love it. It’s a lot more comfortable.”

Last spring the heat in classrooms “was just brutal,” Hudson said. “The kids were sweating. It gets hot, especially that side,” he said, pointing to the Minot Avenue side of the building that gets the afternoon sun.

In one kindergarten-first grade classroom, Hunter explained how each classroom got a roof top HVAC unit that will provide natural gas heat, air conditioning and ventilation.

“They cut a big hole in the roof,” the duct work came through and down the ceiling to two vents, one providing heat or air, whichever is needed. “This one is a return vent,” he said. “It takes the air in and recycles it to create a circulation.”

The systems will automatically provide what’s needed. If it’s 72 degrees outside, the machines will only provide fresh air. If it’s hot, the machines will go into air conditioning mode. When it’s cold the machines will provide heat.

The school, built in the 1950s, didn’t have air conditioning or ventilation, Hunter said. “To get fresh air you had to open the windows up.” When the air gets too stale fatigue sets in, he said. “We did a similar project at Sherwood Heights (school). Rarely do you get compliments,” Hunter said. “But we got calls, ‘The air in here is fabulous.’”

Principal Cathy Folan said she’s excited about more parking spaces that provide designated spots for parents dropping off students, and students getting on and off buses. “This will get the bus students away from drop-off students,” she said.

New crosswalks leading into the school are well marked. During the first days of school staff will direct parent drivers where they’re to drop off students.

Last year, the lack of parking “was a nightmare at 3 o’clock,” Hunter said. “We considered it unsafe.” Because there wasn’t enough parking, “parents parked wherever they could find a spot.” That included on the lawn or on the busy Minot Avenue.

“It was dangerous. It was nerve wracking to watch,” Hudson said.

Fairview also got some routine painting. Priority lists are made of which school walls need new paint the most, Hunter said.

In halls near the entrance, walls went from a drab off-white to the bottom half painted green or purple, matching colors in the floor tiles.

“It’s an elementary school,” Hunter said. “We’re trying to bring in some brightness, cheerfulness.”