How Henrico Schools plans to address faulty air conditioning systems

Faulty air conditioning systems are affecting multiple Henrico County schools, leaving students and staff in sweltering conditions as spring temperatures climb.

Parents at Skipwith Elementary School first raised concerns Monday, saying the problem has persisted for months and affects several areas of the building.

Following numerous emails about HVAC problems at other facilities, CBS 6 reached out to Henrico County officials about how they were addressing the countywide issue. The district responded with a statement that reads in part:

"As springtime temperatures have reached record highs this week, putting stress on HVAC systems, our Facilities staff and vendors have been working to make appropriate repairs and adjustments to the systems to maintain comfort levels. . . When classrooms become uncomfortable, our building principals take immediate steps to notify Facilities staff, move students and staff to cooler locations and give frequent water breaks. In some cases large fans and spot coolers are brought in to increase the movement of cool air. . . Our 16 summer school sites will be ready to receive students when they begin in June and will be prioritized for repair if any issues arise."

(The Citizen inquired with Henrico Schools officials about which schools experienced air conditioning issues during the past week, but spokesperson Mike Dunavant wrote in an email that he did not have that list.)

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