MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Just two days into the new school year - Memphis and Shelby County Schools is already making some students, and parents, hot under the collar.
MSCS Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins said on Tuesday that 12 schools had HVAC problems on Monday as students returned for their first day of class.
Three schools had problems Tuesday, with class let out early because of dangerous conditions.
Parents lined up Tuesday outside of Trezevant High School as students made a mass exodus from the building because of the heat.
“[A] teacher texted me saying, 'Hi. We’re dismissing early again today,'" said parent Candi Alexander.
Like hundreds of parents across the city, Alexander, who is a teacher herself, had to leave work to pick up her daughter from the second day in a row because of apparent air conditioning issues creating a dangerous environment for the staff and students.
“I understand problems exist," Alexander said. "Problems will happen, but this could’ve been prevented. You’ve been working on this all summer. This should’ve been resolved.”
Across town at Douglas High School, it was more of the same. Text message alerts went out Tuesday telling parents that classes would be released at 10:30 a.m.
A sign on the front door of the high school said they were experiencing issues with the HVAC system.
“I’m picking up because the school has no air-conditioning and it’s hot," said Melvin Wright.
Back at Trezevant High School, Wright’s daughter was inside with a fan in hand when the call was made to cut class short.
"It’s hot. I almost passed out," said Damayra Love.
Wright told ABC24 he understands problems pop up, but with the summer months to fix issues, this is one problem that should not exist.
“I’m not saying anything bad about the school, but this is very unacceptable," said Wright.
ABC24 reporters reached out to the public information officers within Memphis Shelby County Schools several times asking specific questions about the school air-conditioning and HVAC systems, also asking about the schools affected.
"We excitedly welcomed back thousands of energetic students across the District today," district officials said in a statement. "In a proactive response to the aging infrastructure within our school district, we implemented early release days at several schools to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students considering extreme heating conditions.
"We thank our students and families for their understanding as we continue to address these critical needs."
Tuesday, MSCS officials responded to ABC24 reporters emails with a link to MSCS Superintendent Marie Feagins holding a press conference and answering questions for student reporters from the district.