Washington High School students voice frustration after being without AC for more than a week

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Students at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids have been without air conditioning for more than a week.

“I’m kind of tired of it, it’s been going on for a week at this point and, of course, it had to happen now in the middle of September,” says Ava Junge, a freshman at Washington high school.

Even with 50 extra fans and 42 cases of water, this problem that started on September 7 has been taxing.

“So it’s really hard to concentrate when you are just sitting in class, and it’s just hot there are so many people in this school, especially in the hallways,“ says senior Hannah Snitkey.

With the new mask mandate in the district, the superintendent said they’ll be more lenient at Washington with the AC situation, but many kids are still following the new rule.

“It’s made it worse, definitely,” Ava said. “We’ve only had it, I think today is our second day having it. So like, it was really hard, especially in gym, because when we go outside, it’s just as hot.”

However, Washington High School isn’t alone, Superintendent Noreen Bush said three schools are dealing with wonky air conditioners recently.

“It’s not enjoyable, I hate the heat I’m a cold-weather person, but after covid at least I’m just grateful to be in school,” Ava said.

Late Thursday, principal Darius Ballard sent an email to Washington families that the AC is now fixed after a part was overnighted to the school.

College Community Schools also confirmed that the AC at Prairie Creek Intermediate was fixed Thursday.

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