Faulty Heating System At Area Private School

Temperatures plummeted this week across the city.

Light snow blanketed area parks, streets iced over and kids got a late start in the classroom.

At St. Raphael’s school, one parent tells ABC-7 the temperatures were not any warmer inside the school.

The woman who did not want to be identified says the heating system has not been working properly for about two weeks.

ABC-7 stopped by St. Raphael’s but officials declined an on-camera interview.

An employee with the school did confirm that only part of the building was without heat, and crews are working to fix the problem.

In September of this year, the private school had a similar problem. A faulty air conditioning system caused temperatures in classrooms to reach up to 98 degrees.

Bill Stern, a chief inspector with the city’s Environmental Services department said inspectors are called out to a building only when a complaint is filed.

“We have not received any complaints for St. Raphael’s,” Stern said.

The chief inspector said any building, school or space occupied by people must have a minimum temperature of 68 degrees. Anything below that temperature is considered “too cold.”

Stern said his office does see a slight increase in number of complaints during this time of year.

“Whenever there are plumbing problems, heating problems or air conditioning problems, we do try to take care of it in a 24-hour turnaround or less because it can affect a person’s health,” Stern said.

Environmental Services officials say they are sending an inspector to St. Raphael’s School just to make sure the heating system is working adequately.

If you would like to file a complaint about building that is too hot or too cold, dial 311 for assistance.