Mon, 04 May 2026 09:43:48 +0000

No Cooling for Kids: Henrico Schools Struggle Through Sweltering Summer Days As temperatures soar across Henrico County this summer, schools have found themselves battling a pressing issue: no cooling for kids. While students eagerly await the end of the academic year, many are forced to endure sweltering classroom conditions with inadequate air conditioning. In Henrico Schools, the struggle for a comfortable learning environment has become more urgent than ever during the summer months, highlighting a growing concern over student health and educational equity. ### The Summer Heat Challenge With outdoor temperatures routinely exceeding 90°F (32°C) and indoor classroom temperatures reaching unbearably high levels, students and educators alike are feeling the heat. Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS), like many districts in the Mid-Atlantic, faces significant challenges in maintaining safe indoor climates during peak summer heat. While most schools boast functioning HVAC systems, reports indicate that sporadic cooling failures, insufficient maintenance, and aging infrastructure have left some classrooms unbearably warm—especially during midday hours.