Transparency is key when it comes to safety in schools. The recent incident at Marshall Middle School has raised concerns about the functionality of the AED and air conditioners on campus,” said Corina Ortiz with the Houston Federation of Teachers (HFT).
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is under scrutiny for issues regarding air conditioners and AEDs, following the tragic death of a student at Marshall Middle School.
Fourteen-year-old Landon Payton collapsed in the gym and passed away after experiencing multiple seizures. His cause of death is currently under investigation through an autopsy.
HFT has raised concerns about maintenance issues that may have contributed to the incident. They are also questioning whether a functioning AED was utilized during the emergency.
“Transparency is crucial in situations like this. The lack of acknowledgment regarding the AED failure at Marshall Middle School is concerning. We need to know the details of what happened in the gymnasium,” stated Corina Ortiz from HFT.
Besides AED concerns, HFT has also highlighted the importance of CPR certification among staff members in HISD. Questions about the number of certified personnel and AED maintenance remain unanswered by the district.
Following the controversy, HISD reported that the gym temperature was 72°F on the day of the incident. However, Ortiz pointed out the challenges of regulating temperatures in older school buildings like Marshall Middle School.
Teisha Mayes, a concerned parent, expressed ongoing issues with air conditioning in the schools. Her daughter has suffered health problems due to the high temperatures, highlighting the urgent need for solutions.