As summer temperatures blaze through Houston, Heights High School students and staff found themselves in a sweltering situation—literally. With outside temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and beyond, the lack of air conditioning inside the school turned classrooms into ovens, forcing Houston ISD officials to shut the campus down for the safety of everyone inside.

Heights High School, located in one of Houston's historic neighborhoods, has been battling ongoing HVAC issues for quite some time. It’s one of 28 campuses flagged for critical air conditioning upgrades, and while funding had already been secured for the repairs, the timeline couldn’t compete with the rising mercury.

Principal Wendy Hampton reported that, before the closure, students were moved into cooler areas of the building in an attempt to mitigate the heat. However, as the situation worsened, the district made the decision to close the school and prioritize student and staff safety.

Parents were urged to pick up their children early, while buses were dispatched for those relying on district transportation. Students without immediate pickup arrangements were supervised and kept as comfortable as possible until transportation arrived. Spot coolers were also ordered to provide temporary relief, though the oppressive heat proved difficult to beat.

With climate change contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves, the incident highlights a broader concern for aging infrastructure in Houston-area schools. For families, educators, and students alike, this week served as a wake-up call: reliable air conditioning is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Stay tuned to Houston Style Magazine for updates on repairs, district actions, and what this could mean for the future of school infrastructure in our city.