As the area recovered from freezing temperatures and an unprecedented winter storm, some classrooms in three Houston ISD schools—Love Elementary, River Oaks Elementary, and T.H. Rogers School—had heating problems on Thursday.
In a YouTube video broadcast on Thursday, HISD stated that parents were notified that students were being relocated to warmer areas of each campus because not all of the rooms were heating properly. According to the district, maintenance workers also installed portable heaters on the three campuses.
Rogers Principal Suparna Vashisht stated in an email to parents on Thursday, which Houston Public Media was able to get, “Contractors are actively working to install temporary heating units in the classrooms.”
This follows the closure of Houston ISD’s more than 270 schools on Tuesday and Wednesday due to the region’s snowy and icy conditions.
In her email, Vashisht said, “We would like to reassure you that all students are safely in the classroom and that instruction is going on as usual without any interruptions.”
A worried parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said that their child’s classroom at Rogers School, which offers a special education program, was utilizing portable heaters to keep the pupils warm. The National Weather Service reported that Thursday morning temperatures in Houston were in the 30s and 40s.
“The heater in his room was a Costco heater that his nurse said was doing the job,” added the dad.
A remarkable amount of snow fell on Tuesday as a result of this week’s winter storm. On Thursday, when morning low temperatures were close to freezing, HISD reopened classes.
According to the Rogers parent, the school’s heating problems are not brand-new.
The parent remarked, “It’s just a really old school, and the hallways are always cold.”
Throughout the week, HISD is urging parents to ensure that their children are dressed appropriately.
In the YouTube video, HISD Spokesperson Lana Hill advised viewers to keep an eye on the forecast. Tomorrow will be extremely chilly as well, so it’s a good idea to outfit your pupils in layers for the day and warm clothing at the bus stop.
