News Summary
Savannah Classical Academy students face discomfort as classroom temperatures reach 82°F due to HVAC system failures. Despite repairs costing nearly $200,000, issues persist. The school is utilizing temporary cooling measures while awaiting ESPLOST funds for a new system. Community concerns rise over comfort and safety.
Savannah
Students at Savannah Classical Academy (SCA) have been experiencing uncomfortable classroom temperatures reaching around 82 degrees Fahrenheit as the school year commenced earlier this week. The issue primarily stems from failures in the school’s HVAC system, which has been plagued with problems.
Barry Lollis, the CEO of SCA, indicated that while portions of the LG brand HVAC system were operational in some classrooms, crucial components failed right before the start of the academic year. A few classrooms regained heating and cooling capabilities on Tuesday evening, but the issues are expected to persist due to a flawed piece of equipment that became obsolete in 2016. Over the past few years, SCA has invested close to $200,000 on repairs and maintenance for the HVAC system, reflecting ongoing struggles to maintain a comfortable learning environment.
The school is located at 705 E. Anderson St. and faces additional hurdles as Chatham County voters recently approved funding for a new HVAC system as part of the Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) V referendum in March. This marked the first instance that charter schools were included in an ESPLOST proposal, highlighting a growing recognition of their needs. However, Superintendent Denise Watts has pointed out that the school district has not yet begun to receive ESPLOST V funds, which will only be available after the prior ESPLOST IV funds are fully allocated—anticipated to occur by the end of August or September.
In response to the heating issues, SCA has taken multiple measures to alleviate the extreme temperatures. The school currently has 20 commercial AC spot units on site and is renting three additional portable air conditioning units at a cost of approximately $12,000 per month. The situation last year had reached critical levels as SCA was forced to procure portable units due to the unauthorized operation of parts of the upper school’s system. Additionally, the school has made modifications such as removing some windows from upper floors to enhance heat exhaust and improve conditions.
Though these temporary solutions have eased some discomfort, productivity remains compromised for students, teachers, and administration staff alike. Community members and parents, including Jae Harrison, president of the Spartan Club, have raised concerns regarding the loud noises produced by the temporary portable AC units during school events. Alongside these operational challenges, issues with sound have also impacted security present on campus.
Margaret Smith, vice president of the Spartan Club, has questioned whether the school district would have postponed the school opening had non-charter schools encountered similar HVAC challenges. However, officials stressed that SCA’s facilities are not under district ownership, which places the responsibility of maintenance and upgrades on the charter school’s administration.
In light of the situation, the school board has approved $4.2 million in ESPLOST V funds earmarked for SCA aimed at enhancing technology, campus security, and addressing HVAC repair needs. Replacing the inadequate HVAC system is currently SCA’s top priority. Lollis expressed a willingness to consider borrowing funds if needed, but he seeks assurance regarding reimbursement through the ESPLOST. Community members have been encouraged to participate in discussions about the ESPLOST project priorities to secure better conditions for students.
Additionally, on August 7, the district communicated that health and safety concerns could potentially lead to school closures; however, these comments did not pertain to the current situation at Savannah Classical Academy, emphasizing that the school has maintained ongoing steps to manage the HVAC issues as they work towards a long-term solution.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Savannah-Chatham County Schools Begin New Year with Challenges
Early Voting for ESPLOST V Kicks Off in Savannah
Educational ESPLOST 5 Receives Local Support
Savannah Choice Program Applications Open Soon
Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Savannah Classical Academy Seeks Public School District’s Help to Address HVAC Issue
- Wikipedia: HVAC
- Savannah Now: Savannah Public School Leaders Recap First Day of 2025-26 School Year
- Google Search: Savannah Chatham School Board
- Savannah Now: Savannah-Chatham School Board Has Heated Discussion on ESPLOST V Budget
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Education
- Savannah Now: Savannah Chatham Public Schools to Hold Special Education Tax Election Next Tuesday
- Google News: Savannah Classical Academy HVAC
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
