Houston High School Dismissed Early Due to Air Conditioning Issues
Houston is experiencing another sweltering day with high temperatures and humidity, and Heights High School has been affected by air conditioning problems. The school dismissed its students early on Monday due to the issue, which is currently being addressed by the Houston Independent School District (HISD).
The Issue and Response
The severity of the air conditioning problems is unclear, but HISD has confirmed that it is working to resolve the issue. The district’s HVAC technicians are on site, and spot coolers will be transported and installed where necessary. If the equipment requires extensive repairs, an emergency vendor will be dispatched to assist.
Statement from HISD
HISD released a statement addressing the early dismissal, saying, "Our campus is currently experiencing ongoing issues with the air conditioning system. The District’s HVAC team is actively working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible." The statement also assured parents that the district is taking every possible measure to keep students safe and comfortable until they can be picked up.
Monitoring and Maintenance
HISD has a digital controls team that monitors HVAC systems across schools. The team arrives on site at 4:30 a.m. to check all systems and ensure they are running smoothly. If any issues are found, they are sent to maintenance directors, who then dispatch HVAC technicians to investigate further. Building services managers are also being trained to reset chillers and escalate problems to maintenance directors if necessary.
Impact on Students
The air conditioning issues have had a significant impact on students, with some reporting that they felt sick and had to go to the nurse. Delilah Sanchez, a student at Eliot Elementary, shared her experience, saying, "It feels very hard; like today it didn’t work, and some people in my classroom, they felt they kept throwing up, some almost passed out, so they had to go to the nurse and then came home because they felt very sick."
History of the Issue
This is not the first time HISD campuses have experienced air conditioning issues. Last year, a bond proposal aimed at fixing the HVAC infrastructure did not pass, and the district has been struggling to address the problem since. Superintendent Mike Miles has acknowledged the seriousness of upgrading air conditioning systems at many campuses and has proposed hiring an emergency vendor to make necessary repairs if the problems worsen.
Conclusion
The air conditioning issues at Heights High School and other HISD campuses are a significant concern for students, parents, and staff. While the district is working to address the problem, it is clear that a long-term solution is needed to ensure that students can learn in a safe and comfortable environment. HISD must prioritize the upgrade of its HVAC systems to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
