625 open HVAC work orders in Henrico schools, COO questions data accuracy

A public records request submitted by CBS 6 has uncovered 625 open work orders related to HVAC issues across Henrico County Public Schools' more than 74 schools and facilities.

The oldest work order dates back to Sept. 11, 2023. Only about six of the 625 open work orders list a completion date, and 88% of them are from 2026 alone.

CBS 6 has been reporting on HVAC issues inside Henrico County schools since the beginning of last school year, with complaints from families and staff skyrocketing at the start of this school year.

Despite the volume of unresolved issues, school leaders — from board members to the superintendent — claimed at last week's school board work session that conditions are improving.

Greg Dunaway, the school system's brand new Chief of Operations, said "These are challenges and approaches that are not unique to Henrico County Public Schools. Any organization that has the number of schools and the scale and the scope deal with the same exact challenges that we have of prioritizing spending money where it makes sense, doing it wisely for the long haul to ensure sustainability."

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