Houston ISD unveils $40M plan to fix aging HVAC, roof systems across dozens of schools

FILE - HVAC technician begins the process of replacing an air conditioning unit (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (Gene J. Puskar, Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

HOUSTON – Houston ISD is moving forward with a $40 million facilities improvement plan that targets aging HVAC systems and deteriorating roofs at more than two dozen campuses.

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The upgrades come as the district acknowledges that more than 30% of its schools are over 50 years old, with widespread infrastructure issues that directly affect student learning.

A few weeks ago, KPRC 2 was invited to St. George Place Elementary School, where crews were busy installing a new HVAC system.

The work there is part of a larger push across the district: HISD says 25 campuses are receiving critical HVAC upgrades in the coming year, alongside roof replacements at more than a dozen others.

MORE: Several Houston ISD campuses faced HVAC issues last year. How the district is responding before classes resume

According to documents I obtained through a public records request filed on August 6, the district’s FY26 Capital Improvement Plan outlines a multi-phase effort to address its most pressing infrastructure needs. The plan is funded by $40 million in Maintenance Tax Notes, which allow HISD to quickly borrow money for urgent repairs without waiting for voter-approved bonds.

Why These Repairs Are Urgent

The documents note that aging HVAC systems and leaky roofs are two of the biggest facility challenges across HISD. Outdated cooling and heating units often make it difficult to maintain comfortable classroom temperatures, while deteriorating roofs cause leaks, safety hazards, and higher energy bills.

The district says these issues don’t just create inconveniences—they also impact student well-being and academic performance. “The ultimate goal is to create a better learning environment for all students and staff,” the report states.

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HISD estimates it faces $12.3 billion in facility needs over the next decade (2025–2035). The $40 million being spent this year is just a fraction of that, but leaders say it targets the most urgent problems first.

Which Schools Are Getting New HVAC Systems

The district prioritized campuses with the highest student enrollment, utilization rates, and documented work orders. In all, 25 schools are receiving HVAC-related projects, totaling nearly $19 million.

Here’s the full list:

• Lanier Middle School – $2.3 million for rooftop units, exhaust fans, chillers, and controls replacement.

• Black Middle School – $1.7 million for new chillers, unit ventilators, and controls.

• Elrod Elementary (170% utilization) – Chiller, boiler, and controls replacement, $301,763.

• Heights High School – Two new chillers, $892,465.

• Red Elementary – Chiller, boiler, and controls replacement, $1.1 million.

• St. George Place PK–5 – Chiller and controls replacement, $249,385.

• Benbrook Elementary – Chiller and boiler replacement.

• Bonham Elementary – Chiller and controls replacement.

• Briarmeadow Charter – Boiler replacement.

• Bush Elementary – Chiller replacement.

• Cedar Brook Elementary – Boiler and controls replacement.

• Cunningham Elementary – Chiller replacement.

• DeAnda Elementary – Boiler and controls replacement.

• Daily Elementary – Boiler replacement.

• Durkee Elementary – Boiler replacement.

• Foerster Elementary – Chiller and controls replacement.

• Gross Elementary – Chiller replacement.

• Hinojosa Elementary – Boiler and controls replacement.

• Lyons Elementary – Boiler and controls replacement.

• Martinez Elementary – Boiler and controls replacement.

• McNamara Elementary – Boiler replacement.

• Milne Elementary – Chiller replacement.

• Northline Elementary – Chiller replacement.

• Oak Forest Elementary – Boiler replacement.

• Robinson Elementary – Boiler and controls replacement.

In total, 25 schools are listed for HVAC-related projects, representing an investment of $19 million.

Roof Repairs on the Horizon

Alongside HVAC work, HISD is tackling roofs at some of its oldest campuses. The plan breaks roof projects into two phases:

  • Phase I (Summer 2025): Includes Bell Elementary ($1.1M)Crespo Elementary ($1.4M)Meyerland PVA Middle ($3.2M), and Rice K–8 ($3.6M). Total: $13.7 million.
  • Phase II (Fall 2025–Summer 2026): Includes Briargrove Elementary ($2M)River Oaks Elementary ($1.2M), and Waltrip High School ($4.1M). Total: $9 million.

Project Timelines

The original April 2025 version of the plan projected HVAC installations to start in July 2025 and wrap up by February 2026. However, an updated version finalized in July pushed some deadlines further:

  • HVAC Systems: July 2025 – March 2026.
  • Controls Systems: September 2025 – July 2026.
  • Roofing Phase I: July 2025 – September 2025.
  • Roofing Phase II: September 2025 – August 2026.

The staggered timeline is designed to minimize disruptions to students and teachers while school is in session.

Accountability and Oversight

District officials stress that financial oversight is built into the plan. The CFO’s office will conduct regular audits and issue progress reports to ensure the money is spent as intended.

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Alishia Jolivette, HISD’s Chief Facilities and Maintenance Officer, told the board in April that transparency will be key: “Effective financial management will ensure that funds are allocated and utilized efficiently, promoting transparency and accountability”.

For families and teachers, the repairs can’t come soon enough. Many parents have voiced concerns about extreme classroom temperatures, particularly during Houston’s sweltering August and September heat.

MORE: More than 20 new cooling centers opening in Houston to help residents find respite from intense heat

While the district acknowledges this $40 million plan won’t solve all of its infrastructure problems, leaders say it’s an essential first step toward addressing a multi-billion-dollar backlog of repairs.


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