TULSA, Okla — 2 News received several emails from concerned parents before school started for TPS students August 19 about how some classrooms had no running A/C.
Parents were most concerned as scorching temperatures continued in Tulsa.
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TPS A/C Issues: Parents speak out amidst scorching temperatures
After the report, parents saw an improvement in their classrooms.
Lacey Helm has a fourth grade son at Carnegie Elementary.
“We had multiple classrooms that were down, and now we have the majority of them fixed," she said. "A kindergartner teacher's room is now fixed, so we have a second grade classroom, and the art teacher is still out, but they they have the option to move to the cafeteria or the library in the afternoon. So I'm just so happy that we're not compiling kids together. I my biggest fear is it was going to be like COVID 2.0.”
WATCH: IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY: TPS working to restore A/C to classrooms:
Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson also released a letter to families giving out some tips on how everyone can help keep students safe.
She stated families can plan for early drop-off and pick up times, so students don’t have to wait outside for too long, as well as making sure children show up to school with enough water and electrolytes to keep them hydrated throughout the day.
It’s a sentiment that District 5 TPS Board Member John Croisant shared with 2 News as well.
"All of our schools have air conditioning," he said. There are obviously always going to be a few breaks that happen, and so as we keep working on this, you know, we are replacing some air conditioning systems every year as part of our bond process because we look at roofs, air conditioning systems, heating systems, electrical.”
He said the district is working its way up from those schools in the most need and then prioritizing younger children and them moving up in age.
He also wanted to mention that staff are a huge part of the reason schools still run smoothly, from teachers, to facilities to bus drivers.
He said teachers can also get help if they’re experiencing issues by putting in a maintenance request or reaching out to the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association.
I confirmed with a representative from the school district that 20 schools received fans to help with air flow during the heat wave and more fans will be coming soon.
The representative also stated several schools are just waiting for parts for large units so repairs can be made.
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