Tulsa Public Schools is confronting widespread HVAC problems at the beginning of the school year even as the district prepares to invest nearly $68 million in upgrading aging heating and cooling systems.

As of Aug. 31, 62 district schools had reported HVAC problems affecting classrooms, with about 185 open work orders across those campuses and maintenance work already taking place at 25 schools, according to reporting from local news outlet Tulsa Flyer. The problems apparently began during a stretch of extreme heat in Tulsa where the heat index has climbed into triple digits lately and has placed additional demand on cooling equipment.

District officials said facilities crews have been fully mobilized to address the backlog and outside contractors are being used to supplement district maintenance staff.

Administrators also have been instructed to take temporary steps to limit students’ and employees’ exposure to excessive heat while repairs are completed. So far, relief measures include relocating classes when needed, moving recess indoors, deploying fans and other air-moving equipment, closing blinds during the hottest parts of the day, and reducing the use of lights and equipment that generate additional heat. It’s unclear how effective these strategies have been, however.

Nearly $68 million planned for HVAC improvements

The pressing HVAC problems and immediate maintenance response comes as Tulsa prepares a much larger investment in its mechanical infrastructure. In April, voters approved a $609 million school bond package that includes approximately $67.8 million for HVAC repairs and replacements across the district that’s intended to replace aging and obsolete HVAC equipment and controls.