About $3.3 million was released from state coffers yesterday for school improvement projects across the state, including $1 million earmarked for Waipahu's August Ahrens Elementary School that will allow for installation of air conditioning in three classrooms.

The new air conditioning units are essential because noise from units at the nearby school library are interfering with classroom activities and forcing teachers to close their windows, state officials said.

Design is scheduled to be completed by June, with construction expected to be under way from September 2009 to January 2010.

The second largest release of school improvement funding authorized yesterday by Gov. Linda Lingle was $840,000 for renovations at Palolo's Jarrett Middle School. That money will go toward repair of sloping and cracked floors and foundations in two buildings. Design is scheduled to be completed by September 2009, and construction is slated to wrap up in October 2010.

Kalihi Uka Elementary School will be getting $320,000 for design and construction of restroom renovations to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and to address ongoing repair issues. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $820,000, with $500,000 previously released. Construction is scheduled to be completed in August 2009.

Mililani High School will be getting $300,000 for design and construction of a new drop-off area, turn-around and additional guest parking for a new classroom building. The project aims to ease congestion in the school's main parking lot during peak hours. It is expected to be completed in 2010.

Other funding released for the school improvement efforts: