Repeated school closures due to nonfunctional HVAC systems have created a chaotic learning environment. Excessively hot or cold temperatures in classrooms make it difficult for students to concentrate, with research indicating that exposure to high temperatures can impair cognitive function. Parents, many of whom are working professionals, have been forced to leave work early to accommodate sudden dismissals, further exacerbating frustration and economic strain.
"Parents and community members want their kids in schools that are safe... that's what they deserve," said Christina Cole, president of the Wake North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE).
Education advocates, including school staff, are now rallying to demand urgent solutions. A recent event in Raleigh, described by organizers as "just the first step," aimed to pressure county commissioners into prioritizing infrastructure investments.
The WCPSS is grappling with an estimated $200 million backlog in HVAC maintenance, with $3 billion in unfunded renovation needs projected through 2030. Compounding the issue, half of the district’s HVAC maintenance positions remained vacant as of August, significantly delaying repairs and leading to preventable school closures.
The challenges extend beyond HVAC. Recent inspections of county schools revealed persistent issues, including nonfunctioning toilets, leaking roofs, and suspected mold in some facilities. One high school was found to have 25 broken toilets and urinals, while a middle school had 10 nonworking units. Although county health officials regularly inspect schools, limited maintenance staff and funding shortages hinder the ability to resolve these problems swiftly.
In response to the growing crisis, Wake County Board of Education members are exploring funding options, including a proposed bond referendum. Historically, Wake County school bonds have passed with strong voter support, funding new schools, major renovations, and smaller infrastructure improvements. However, officials stress that a long-term strategy is necessary.
"The county has been incredibly supportive of our schools with bonds over the years, and our hope is that we will have another one in a couple of years," said Sam Hershey, a Wake County Board of Education member and facilities committee chairman.
Beyond county-level efforts, advocates argue that North Carolina’s General Assembly also bears responsibility. The state's most recent five-year Facility Needs Survey, conducted in 2020-21, identified $12.8 billion in unfunded school infrastructure needs statewide. Calls for increased state funding for capital improvements continue to gain traction among educators and community members.
The WCPSS faces an urgent need for comprehensive infrastructure investment to provide safe, functional learning environments. As the district prepares to present its budget request to county commissioners this spring, educators and families are making their voices heard. Whether through local bonds, state funding, or staffing improvements, the community is demanding decisive action to address the systemic facility issues plaguing Wake County schools.
With public pressure mounting, the coming months will be critical in determining whether students and teachers will finally see meaningful improvements in their learning environments.
