HOUSTON, Texas – After dealing with extreme heat during the first two weeks of classes, Harvard Elementary School is finally seeing some relief on Monday.
“We have COLD AC! It’s 66 to 68 in all rooms! Omg I could cry! Not a long-term fix, I’m sure, but it’s cool for now! Persistence was key,” a staff member told KPRC 2.
Last week, KPRC 2 reported on the district’s HVAC system at several campuses, including Harvard Elementary.
On Friday, the Harvard PTA released an open letter to the community, which can be found here.
In the letter, PTA President Anar Abasov addresses the issues with the school and requests a community meeting with Houston ISD.
“It is important to clarify that the purpose of this letter is not to place blame but to focus on the facts and work collectively toward a solution that ensures our children’s health, safety, and educational well-being,” the opening paragraph of the letter read.
Harvard Elementary School is Houston’s oldest school and celebrated its 125th birthday last September. Despite the school’s historic significance, temperature issues have become a recurring theme on the campus.
Back in January, families were told to send their kids to school bundled up in big coats when the school didn’t have properly functioning central heat amid freezing temperatures in the Houston area.
KPRC 2 reported at the time the district had to bring in portable heaters.
Eight months later, the school is now dealing with uncomfortable conditions on the other side of the thermometer.
Although the staff member said the issues have not been fixed permanently, teachers, students and staff members will be able to feel some relief today, and hopefully, for the rest of the week. She believes “persistence” from parents, staff and the community helped solve the issue.