Heating Issues Affect San Antonio ISD Schools During Cold Snap

News Summary

San Antonio ISD schools have faced heating failures during a recent cold snap, affecting student comfort and learning. Several schools reported heating problems, leading to disruptions. While some schools have restored heating, ongoing issues at specific locations raise concern. The district is focused on improving communication and infrastructure to avoid past mistakes.

Heating Issues Plague San Antonio ISD Schools During Cold Snap

This week in San Antonio, a chilly blast of winter weather has unfortunately caused significant heating troubles in many of the local schools within the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD). With parents and students alike bracing themselves for the cold, it’s no surprise that the heating failures have become a hot topic throughout the community.

Chilled to the Bone

As temperatures dropped during the first week of January 2025, the heating problems began to emerge. By January 7, a total of at least six schools were reported to have heating failures, including well-known institutions like Highlands High School, Fox Tech High School, and Burbank High School. Adding to the mix were Graebner, Carvajal, and Washington Elementary schools, each facing similar issues.

Students in these schools were forced to deal with conditions described as “frigid.” One particular student from Highlands High School shared that they layered clothing in an attempt to fend off the bone-chilling cold. No one wants to sit in class shaking, and it’s certainly not the way to learn!

Efforts Underway

Fast forward to January 8, and most schools began to see some relief with heating systems having been restored. However, the situation at Carvajal Elementary remained problematic, with technicians working hard to resolve the ongoing issues. In addition, areas like the auditorium and gym at Brackenridge High School remained unoccupied until officials felt confident that the heating problem was under control. The good news? While some spaces were temporarily closed, much-needed portable heaters were brought into the Fine Arts building to help warm things up.

Lessons from the Past

This year’s struggles have sparked painful memories of last January, when all campuses in SAISD had to close down due to similar heating failures. That incident led to significant administrative changes as district leaders grappled with the consequences of years of mismanagement and inadequate funding. The estimated cost to properly address the heating systems has risen to a staggering $250 million, prompting ongoing discussions about infrastructure improvements.

Despite these setbacks, Superintendent Jaime Aquino reassured everyone that all boilers had been serviced in advance of this winter. However, some parents and community members remain anxious about the repeated heating issues that seem to persist year after year.

Moving Forward

Looking ahead, the district is committed to keeping everyone informed about heating conditions in schools. Plans are in place to monitor the situation closely and determine whether any delays or closures may be necessary based on weekly forecasts. Communication with parents has been highlighted as a top priority, ensuring timely updates when issues arise.

As we move further into the winter, let’s keep fingers crossed that the heating systems will cooperate and students will be able to learn in comfortable environments. Meanwhile, let’s all remain warm and bundled up because, as we’ve seen this week, San Antonio can have its share of cold weather surprises!