I promised to tell people in the community what happened with the air-conditioning system at Northampton High School on June 7. Problems resulted in extreme heat conditions that we tried, so hopelessly, to resolve that evening during a concert.
I want to thank everyone who made phone calls seeking answers. The facilities manager has expressed a sincere apology, since the kids faced extreme temperatures.
This is what I learned: one chiller was broken due to equipment failure. The computer that regulates the temperature failed. Custodians should have provided the facilities manager’s cell phone number – since it can be controlled remotely, but the air-conditioning still could not work because it was broken and the computer had glitches.
I came to believe that there were also communication failures between the high school and the district’s central office. Also, I learned that there was a policy saying that A/C is only turned on when there are three consecutive days of temperatures over 90 degrees.
Those who put the event together have not received an apology. The team includes me, a former booster crew chief; Steve Hinks, chorus director; Molly Burnham, School Committee member; and Karen Nelson, booster crew chief.
I asked for a health inspection related to the conditions we faced. That did not go forward. I asked for a copy of a health inspection report, with no response.
Questions remain. Please who remain distressed about the evening should make those phone calls again.
Paula Baretsky
Florence