Chelmsford teachers claim sub-freezing temps in some classrooms

CHELMSFORD, Mass. — Teachers in Chelmsford have been dealing with trying to stay warm, not just outside, but inside the classrooms too. A normal room temperature is typically 70 degrees, but at Parker Middle School, several recorded temperatures revealed surprising results.

Photos taken by teachers showed that temperatures came out to 57 degrees in the bathroom and 44 degrees in a portable classroom. Readings showed 22 degrees in one classroom at McCarthy Middle School.

Parents and the teachers’ union brought the issue before the school committee.

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“If my child was in that room and they were hurt because of overcrowding, because of the heat not being fixed, which has been going on for years and honestly is an exhausting conversation as a parent,” said Christine Collins, one of the parents in the meeting.

The heating problems started three years ago when the district upgraded its heating system. Students are often forced to wear coats since the units constantly breakdown or blow cold air.

Town Manager Paul Cohen said the heating problem is being exaggerated by the teachers’ union for political reasons because of an ongoing labor dispute.

"There was never a situation where children were in a 22 degree classroom," said Cohen.

Despite this, Cohen admits that there have been mechanical failures with the new system. Since FOX25 reported this story three months ago, Cohen has hired an outside engineering company to address the issue.

"If we've got four thousand students in the system on a daily basis, we can't guarantee everyone's personal temperature or comfort," said Cohen.

Cox Media Group