Parent raises concerns over heat at Anniston school gym without air conditioning
Thu, August 27, 2026 at 8:27 PM
UpdatedThu, August 27, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Screenshot 2026-08-27 200101.png
A parent is raising concerns about conditions at Golden Springs Elementary School after she says her child has had to leave school three times in three weeks with symptoms of heat exhaustion
Golden Springs Elementary does not have an air-conditioning unit in its gymnasium. With recent high temperatures across central Alabama, the parent, who would like to remain anonymous to protect her child’s identity, says the conditions are affecting students’ ability to participate and learn
The mother says her child has experienced fatigue, nausea, and sickness because of the heat. She says he is not the only student affected
“He’s missing that time that he should be in his classroom learning with his peers,” the parent said. “Due to the fact that he is really in an overheated environment, he is not able to make it through the rest of the day.”
She says the repeated illness can also create challenges for working parents who may not be able to leave work to pick up their children
“That’s week after week to think of people who have to work all day long and who can’t break free to go see about their children. Who don’t have family. They can go check them out,” said the parent
“I know the P.E. teacher had some issues with exhaustion, which I was notified about, but that’s that’s pretty much it… I was made aware that that person (was) not here (Thursday),” said Anniston City School’s Superintendent Dr. D. Ray Hill
Dr. Hill said Golden Springs is not the only school in the district without air conditioning in some capacity
“Because we also have our Pre-K, which has no air conditioning as well, Cobb Preparatory. And we really never had any issue with two kids getting sick or heat exhaustion… we are looking at what we can possibly do, but the cost of heating and air conditioning in a gym is astronomical,” said Dr. Hill
Dr. Hill told ABC 33/40 the school has been relocating children to the library or cafeteria for activities. He also said fans have been purchased and should arrive within the week. However, Dr, Hill mentioned it is not currently in the budget to install an A/C unit in the Golden Springs gym
