HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Henrico schools continue to have HVAC issues after extreme heat and high classroom temperatures forced Short Pump Middle School to close Thursday. Henrico County Public Schools said crews are working to repair the issues over the next few days while students are out fo r an extended Labor Day weekend. The district said it's working to determine next steps for students' return to Short Pump and a timeline for long-term repairs. HCPS said Short Pump Middle School is one of about 18 schools in the county experiencing HVAC issues. School leaders told 8News on Thursday that zero schools are experiencing a school-wide air conditioning outage and the mechanical system at Short Pump is operating at reduced capacity. HVAC issues within Henrico schools began on Aug. 18 when 8News received photos from a member of the Henrico Education Association showing thermostats across Henrico High School ranging from 82 to 87 degrees. Members of the Henrico Education Association told 8News that it was hard to set up their classrooms in those temperatures. RELATED: Short Pump Middle closed due to AC issues, extreme heat 8News reached out to HCPS on Aug. 18. The division declined to provide a list or number of schools with HVAC issues, saying the schools with issues are “ever changing as repairs are being made.” HCPS said it has installed temporary spot coolers and high-capacity fans. On Aug. 24, the first day of school for elementary, 6th and 9th grade students, 8News reached out to HCPS asking for a timeline of repairs and whether the HVAC issues had been resolved. The district said facilities teams and contracted technicians worked throughout the weekend to do repairs or install portable AC units. HCPS said follow-up took place throughout the day to check on isolated warm spots. RELATED: Henrico Education Association addresses HVAC issues On Aug. 28, 8News asked HCPS which schools have HVAC issues. A statement from the district reads in part: “Facilities teams and private contractors have worked diligently over the summer to make our schools ready for the opening week and are continuing to address concerns as they are reported. They will be working through the weekend to prepare schools for students next week and will continue to monitor systems and equipment operations as the year progresses.”  HCPS said portable air conditioners were installed across “portions” of Short Pump Middle Wednesday night, but morning readings inside the school remained high. School leaders said limited options to move students to cooler areas of the school and forecasted record heat caused Short Pump Middle to be closed. For the schools still in session with HVAC issues, HCPS said it’s working to install portable AC units and fans while also moving students to cooler areas of the building. HCPS noted that “teachers are ensuring students have frequent water breaks during class.” ...read more read less