Grand Prairie ISD parents are urging the district and city to find a solution for a classroom where they say the air conditioning has been failing since last school year. Parent Nancy Segovia Cabrera said she first learned about the problem in the Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy mariachi room fr om her daughter last May. “She mentioned, ‘Mom, you know, the rooms have been hot lately,’ especially, you know, in the mariachi room and some of her academic rooms. Because it was the end of the school year, I thought no big issue. Ok. It’s hot,” said Cabrera. “And it wasn’t until we returned in August for a parent meeting that, when we walked into the mariachi room, you immediately felt the warm air.” Cabrera said the room is warm enough that her daughter frequently comes home with headaches and has lost interest in her passion. Victoria Reyes said her 10th grader complained of a student vomiting due to the heat. “I think our kids deserve to learn in a safe environment,” said Reyes. Grand Prairie ISD told NBC 5 it’s had no reports of heat-related illness at the school. In a statement, a spokesperson added, “The District is keenly aware of the HVAC issues related to the geothermal system that cools and heats the Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy building. GPISD continues to work with the City of Grand Prairie to address the overall repair of damage that began in 2024 following a water main issue. Furthermore, subsequent additional damage has caused significant delays in repair.” The city said, “The City of Grand Prairie understands the concerns the Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy families are facing. While some of the necessary repairs fall outside the scope of the City, we are committed to working with the District to move the project forward. The City is actively working to identify a permanent solution that addresses the retaining wall and protects the long-term stability of the area. Our shared goal is to ensure a safe and comfortable learning environment for the GPFAA students.” An email sent to parents this week said portable A/C units are now being used, but the parents say it hasn’t been enough. They pledge to keep fighting for a better solution. “That’s all we’re asking for is relief or comfort, a solution that brings them relief, not just short-lived relief that lasts a day or two. We want it to last the entire academic year,” said Cabrera. ...read more read less