In Mansfield, La., DeSoto Parish school officials are moving quickly to address air‑conditioning problems that surfaced after a series of power surges disrupted chillers at two district schools. The surges caused temporary shutdowns of the cooling systems at Mansfield Elementary School and North DeSoto High School, prompting the district to prioritize HVAC repairs.
District response and timeline
Operations Director Josh Dahlem told a recent school‑board meeting that the district has engaged HVAC contractors to conduct a major overhaul of the air‑conditioning infrastructure. The work is expected to be completed by mid‑November, ensuring that classrooms and common areas will have reliable cooling for the remainder of the school year.
Dahlem emphasized that the repairs are not limited to fixing the immediate failures. “We are taking this opportunity to upgrade the entire system, replace aging components, and improve overall efficiency,” he said.
New alert system to prevent future outages
To reduce the risk of future heating or cooling interruptions, the operations team is installing an automated text and email alert system. The monitored system will instantly notify key personnel whenever a chiller goes offline, allowing for a faster response and minimizing downtime for students and staff.
The alert system will be linked to the district’s existing maintenance platform, providing real‑time status updates and a clear chain of communication among facilities staff, administrators, and school‑board members.
Impact on students and families
Parents have expressed relief that the district is addressing the issue promptly. Many families rely on a comfortable learning environment, especially during the hot Louisiana summer months. “Our children need a safe, cool place to learn,” one parent noted during the meeting.
School officials also reassured families that the repairs will be scheduled to avoid major disruptions to classroom instruction. Temporary portable cooling units will be used where needed until the permanent system is fully operational.
Looking ahead
The district’s proactive approach reflects a broader commitment to maintaining safe, functional school facilities. By combining infrastructure upgrades with modern monitoring technology, DeSoto Parish schools aim to prevent similar problems in the future and provide a stable environment for education.
Community members are encouraged to stay informed through the district’s communication channels and to report any facility concerns promptly.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
