There are needed upgrades and repairs … and then there are wants. As Dunkirk City Schools looks ahead to an $83.7 million capital project vote May 21, there is no doubt improvements are needed.

Most important of the proposals to voters will be Proposition 2, which includes an addition to the junior and senior high school as well as other renovations inside the building as well as the track and football fields. That cost is $53.3 million.

Proposition 3 adds lighting and amenities to the baseball field for less than $6 million. But Proposition 4 needs to bring some questions. The district wants to spend $24 million to put air conditioning in all classrooms.

That’s a bit of a luxury.

Dunkirk’s school budget, which will be voted on the same day as these capital projects, is $58.7 million that includes a tax increase. That’s already a burden for residents in the district.

Air conditioning, however, is something that is a want, not a need. Seeing that we’re in the northeast and classes are not in session for the summer months with some exceptions, Proposition 4 is a steep price for comfort.