A/C issues remain a big concern as students return to classes
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – It’s back to school for 110,000 students within Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) on Monday. That means a lot of children to keep cool and healthy.
As the first day of school commences, there are still concerns about working air condition in MSCS classrooms. Sherwood Middle School was among the dozen schools that faced heat-related disruptions last year.
With temperatures warming up this week, parents want to know if classroom conditions will be better this time around. And when it comes to heat, it’s just not about comfort — it’s also about safety.
In August 2024, at least 12 schools in the district dealt with broken or inefficient A/C systems that forced early dismissals and disrupted learning.
This year, MSCS said 10 new HVAC systems have been installed — with work continuing into the weekend to get everything online before the first bell. That said, pediatricians warn that hot classrooms can make it harder for kids to focus and may even make underlying health issues worse.
“Those with asthma sometimes can be a little bit more challenging for them to breathe with the increased humidity, things like that,” said Dr. Rudy Kink with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. “Other children with any kind of heart disease that they were born with, cardiovascular, things like that, it can be a little more detrimental.”
FOX13 asked MSCS about improvements, and the school district said maintenance crews have been working overtime to make sure every classroom is cool enough for kids to learn. Doctors also recommended parents pack extra water, send their children in lightweight clothes and talk to them at the end of the day to make sure they’re staying hydrated and feeling well.
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