NC parent raises concerns over hot mobile classroom in Holly Springs

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WTVD) -- Ashley Sidle is raising concerns about classroom conditions at Holly Springs Elementary School after her son completed his last day of first grade Friday.

Sidle said her son is set to return next month as a second grader on a year-round schedule, but she is uneasy about his assigned classroom.

"I'm not comfortable with my son starting school in that class."

She said the classroom is located in a trailer behind the school, where she worries about heat and air quality.

Sidle described visiting the classroom during a teacher meeting earlier in the week.

"On Tuesday, we went to meet the teacher. So, that is when you go into the classroom. We all were kind of looking at each other, realizing like, Oh, it's very muggy in here, it's very hot in here."

According to Sidle, conditions remained uncomfortable despite efforts to cool the space.

"So, I asked her directly what's with all the fans? And she said that she had been having issues since January and has very rarely had heat or air conditioning in her room."

Heating and cooling issues have affected Wake County Public Schools for years. Last school year, ongoing HVAC problems led to early dismissals on 40 days, interrupting instructional time.

Sidle said the classroom conditions have also forced adjustments during the school day.

"We have neighbors whose kids are in this class. They've had to move in the building at times with inclement weather. And lately it's been almost daily that they've had to move after recess because it's well into the eighties in the classroom."

Earlier this year, the district reported that Holly Springs Elementary would receive a full HVAC replacement, though it is unclear whether that includes the trailers.

Sidle said she wants a long-term solution for students and staff.

"I want the classroom fixed for not only my son, but the other kids for the teacher. If I was a landlord, I would be legally required to provide heat and air conditioning to my tenants. So why our school board is not being held to the same level of responsibility is very disappointing."

In the meantime, she has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for an air conditioning unit for the classroom.

"Kids are resilient, but it's still not fair for them to have to deal with this."

ABC11 has reached out to the Wake County School District and the school board representative for Holly Springs Elementary regarding Sidle's concerns.

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