Some Tucson Unified students, teachers sweltering in classrooms

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TUCSON, Arizona (KOLD News 13) – Some Tucson Unified students and teachers have been sweating in the classrooms.

KOLD News 13 learned that air conditioning systems are not working in at least six schools, and that the temperature in the classrooms and other areas fluctuates between 80 and 95 degrees.

At the beginning of every school year, the high temperatures place additional demands on the air conditioning systems and are constantly falling in various schools.

A source at the school said there aren’t enough staff to fix the air conditioners and they only have four HVAC mechanics.

KOLD News 13 contacted TUSD and received this response:

“Operations has lost several HVAC mechanic jobs. We are working flat out to fill our positions. The district has also signed contracts with outside contractors to help with HVAC repairs. We usually see an increase in HVAC work orders early in the school year. “

TUSD recently received millions in federal aid, known as the ESSER fund, for Covid-related issues. KOLD News 13 reached out to the Director of Grants and Federal Programs to see if the money could be used for new AC units.

“We really have to look at that. We couldn’t buy one from ESSER one due to our immediate needs, ”said director Jon Lansa. “ESSER two is not really planned yet, but that will be a topic that we really need to delve into when planning ESSER three.”

So far, the county has used the first round of funding for air filtration in all classrooms.

A timeframe for when the district expects the ACs to be resolved could not be specified.

This story will be updated as new details become available.

Copyright 2021 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.

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