Early Dismissal at Heights High School Due to HVAC Issues

Students at Heights High School experience discomfort due to HVAC issues amidst a hot day.

News Summary

Heights High School in Houston dismissed students early amid extreme heat caused by significant air conditioning malfunctions. Principal Wendy Hampton informed parents that efforts to resolve the HVAC issues are ongoing, with students temporarily relocated to cooler areas. Reports indicate discomfort and health concerns among students in hot classrooms. The district is closely monitoring the situation while considering emergency assistance for repairs, as prior bond proposals to enhance the infrastructure had failed. HISD aims to ensure the safety and comfort of students during these challenging conditions.

Houston – Heights High School dismissed students early on May 19, 2025, due to debilitating air conditioning malfunctions during the city’s oppressive heat. The Houston Independent School District (HISD), which oversees the school, is actively addressing these HVAC issues while monitoring temperature levels throughout the campus.

Principal Wendy Hampton notified parents about the ongoing air conditioning problems, emphasizing that efforts to rectify the situation are underway. In the meantime, students were temporarily relocated to cooler areas of the school while awaiting the arrival of portable spot coolers. To ensure student safety and comfort, HISD arranged for early dismissal, encouraging parents to pick up their children as soon as possible.

Reports from students indicated significant discomfort in the atmospheric conditions within their classrooms, with some individuals expressing feelings of illness due to the inadequate cooling systems. HISD’s HVAC team is diligently working on necessary repairs and is closely monitoring the circumstances surrounding the malfunction.

A previous bond proposal intended to enhance the school’s HVAC infrastructure did not pass last year, leaving existing systems in potential jeopardy during extreme weather conditions. If ongoing problems persist, HISD may engage an emergency vendor to assist with repairs. This is not the first instance of air conditioning troubles within HISD schools; similar situations have been recorded in the past, particularly during periods of harsh weather.

In light of the current challenges, HISD has put a transportation plan in place for early student dismissal. The HISD Chief Operations Officer, Alishia Jolivette, conveyed that the digital controls team conducts daily monitoring of HVAC systems across schools to ensure they function appropriately. This established protocol includes training building managers to reset malfunctioning equipment and address immediate concerns.

Additionally, Eliot Elementary School encountered similar air conditioning insufficiencies, with reports indicating that some students felt unwell in hot classrooms. HISD has maintained communication with parents throughout this situation, detailing the severity of the air conditioning issues and the measures taken to resolve them.

As Houston continues to experience hot and humid weather, maintaining adequate indoor temperatures is critical for the well-being of students. The fallout from these HVAC challenges is a pressing concern for HISD, and while repairs are in process, the district is committed to ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for all students.