Millions of students attending schools with mounting air-conditioning concerns are more likely to be exposed to excessive heat.
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Every spring, every fall, this time of year, August, September, we are fighting the air conditioning wars
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And they're holding their breath as kids start filing back to school
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School districts around the country are heading back to class, some sooner than others
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Houston, Texas is home to the eighth largest district in the country. The city is also located in one of the country's hottest states
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So when the AC is on the fritz, people notice. Am I going to keep the kid home
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You know, because it's 90 degrees in the classroom. I'm a working parent. I don't really have that luxury
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Leah Kiefer has two daughters who attended Harvard Elementary School in the Houston Independent School District last year
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Harvard Elementary opened its doors in 1898. In 1980, the main part of the school was demolished and expanded
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However, historic pieces remain throughout the school. When a building is that old, utilities can be a challenge
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It does get challenging at times, but our team steps up and addresses pretty much every single work order in a timely manner
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Gianni Ledesma is the executive director for facility maintenance operator for the Houston Independent School District
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School district records obtained by SAN show more than 1 urgent and emergency maintenance requests last August alone There was no AC upstairs or downstairs August 16th and the temperature
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in one classroom read 90 degrees. That's eight degrees above what the district deems acceptable
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It was out of control. It was something that was out of control, something that happened that couldn't be foreseen. This year, school starts two weeks earlier than two years ago
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which doesn't sit well with many parents. It frustrates me as an HIC parent and a Houston taxpayer
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that we're spending money on that really expensive chiller as a temporary solution without really fixing the HVAC issues
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But for now, a large device in the parking lot called a chiller
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will kick on as temporary aid when the HVAC has issues. It's the district's answer to keep kids comfortable
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and hopefully help put parents' concerns on ice. It happens rarely, very rare, but I can't say it's not going to stop, but it may happen
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Houston is not the only school district that opened earlier this school year
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Other districts around the country face their own battles. Straight Arrow News talked to students, parents, and experts around the country
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To hear their perspective, download the Straight Arrow News app today. For Straight Arrow News, I'm Kaylee Carey
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