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Parents demand answers after students spent hours in cold classrooms; district says maintenance issues caused heating failure
Summary
Parents told the Northern Lehigh board that high-school classrooms were as low as 47°F for several hours after a heating failure; administrators said an electronic notification failure delayed response, maintenance worked to restore heat, students were dismissed around 11:15 a.m., and attendance will be excused.
Several parents told the Northern Lehigh School Board on Feb. 10 that high school students were kept in classrooms with very low temperatures for multiple hours following a heating system failure, prompting demands for clearer communication and accountability.
Amanda Mayer identified herself and said classrooms were roughly 47°F and students remained in those conditions for about 4½ hours before dismissal. “My kid came home freezing,” Mayer said, adding she wanted a plan so children would not endure the same situation again. Other parents said they were told early pickup would be marked unexcused, and that mixed or delayed communications added to their frustration.
Administrators acknowledged the problem and explained that an electronic notification system that normally alerts staff to a loss of heat failed. Maintenance staff identified a stuck valve, worked on it, adjusted dampers, and tried to increase system output. When temperature increases plateaued under cold outdoor conditions, the district decided to dismiss students at about 11:15 a.m. Administrators confirmed any students taken home earlier would be excused.
Several board members pressed for accountability and quicker decision-making. One attendee demanded that custodial or facilities staff be held responsible if lapses continued, arguing that repeated heating or plowing problems this winter indicate broader maintenance issues. The board said it will continue monitoring system performance and will check temperatures early the next morning before students return.
Separately, parents also raised concerns about student walk zones and bus assignments, asking whether the district would commission a PennDOT study of routes. Board members said they are preparing fact-finding and expect to bring the question to a March committee meeting; no funding decision was made at this meeting.
The board adjourned after approving routine items. Administrators said they will provide follow-up information about the heating incident and transportation planning at upcoming meetings.
