Norwalk students sent home due to mechanical failure

NORWALK, Conn. — Brien McMahon High School students were sent home early Thursday due to a problem with the school’s air conditioning.

The school’s windows do not open, Norwalk Public Schools Communications Director Brenda Wilcox Williams explained on Facebook, after a parent pointed out that other schools do not have air conditioning and yet the children are in school.

“Unlike older schools, the building was designed with an air system in mind when the building was renovated as new,” Wilcox Williams said.

Wilcox Williams explained further via an email to NancyOnNorwalk:

“A part in the chiller failed and needs to be replaced.  It was discovered by our Facilities department when they brought the system online for the season.

“The building’s central fans were in operation around the clock to provide ventilation. But with the unseasonably warm weather, temperatures in some of the classrooms reached uncomfortable levels, hence the decision to dismiss early today for that school.

“Repairs are underway and will be completed as soon as possible.”

Wilcox Williams said she’d get back to NoN with the cost of the repair.