Two Denver Public Schools (DPS) campuses were ordered closed Tuesday after failing HVAC systems left students and staff exposed to unsafe indoor air quality, officials confirmed. The closures—affecting nearly 1,500 students across two schools—highlight ongoing challenges in maintaining critical infrastructure in the district’s aging facilities, as temperatures in classrooms reportedly exceeded safe thresholds. With no immediate timeline for reopening, parents and educators are grappling with disruptions as the school year progresses.
The affected schools—Montbello High School and Manuel DeVallina Elementary—were shut down after district officials determined that HVAC malfunctions had created conditions that posed health risks, including elevated carbon dioxide levels and potential mold exposure. A DPS spokesperson stated that inspections revealed “critical failures” in both systems, with repairs requiring specialized equipment not immediately available.
While the district has not specified whether the issues stem from routine maintenance lapses or broader systemic failures, the closures come amid a pattern of infrastructure concerns across DPS facilities. Last month, three other campuses experienced temporary shutdowns due to plumbing and electrical issues, raising questions about the district’s ability to sustain operations during peak demand seasons. The current closures, however, mark the first involving HVAC-related health hazards this academic year.
For families affected, the disruption adds to mounting concerns over school safety and reliability. Montbello High School serves a student body where over 80% qualify for free or reduced lunch, while DeVallina Elementary is a Title I school with limited alternative learning spaces. District officials have not yet announced whether remote instruction will be provided, leaving many parents to arrange childcare or transport students to nearby open campuses.
Why Were the Schools Closed?
According to internal DPS safety protocols, closures are triggered when indoor air quality metrics exceed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for prolonged occupancy. In this case, air quality tests at both schools showed levels of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that officials classified as “immediately hazardous” without immediate mitigation. The district’s Facility Operations Manual requires such conditions to be addressed within 24 hours, though repairs for HVAC systems often take longer due to parts shortages and contractor availability.
Key findings from the inspections:
- Montbello High School: Primary HVAC unit failed, causing backup systems to overheat and release fumes. Carbon monoxide detectors triggered alerts at 10:17 a.m. Tuesday.
- DeVallina Elementary: Ductwork leaks led to mold growth in ventilation shafts, with spores detected in multiple classrooms. The district’s Health Services team confirmed no students reported symptoms, but long-term exposure risks remain.
The closures also intersect with broader debates about school funding and facility investments. DPS received $1.2 billion in state funding last year, but critics argue that allocations for maintenance have not kept pace with inflation or aging infrastructure. A 2023 audit by the Colorado Auditor’s Office found that 34% of DPS buildings were over 50 years old, with HVAC systems averaging 22 years beyond their designed lifespan.
What’s the Timeline for Reopening?
As of Wednesday morning, DPS officials have not set a firm reopening date, citing the need for “thorough remediation” before clearing buildings. Contractors have been deployed to both sites, but the spokesperson emphasized that “timelines are contingent on parts delivery and regulatory approvals.” For Montbello High, the district is exploring temporary solutions, including relocating some classes to the nearby Bruce Randolph School, though capacity constraints may limit options.
Parents are advised to check the district’s real-time alerts system for updates, as notifications will be sent via email and text once a reopening plan is finalized. In the meantime, the district’s Food Services department has committed to providing grab-and-go meals at both school sites during closure hours.
Broader Implications for DPS
The closures underscore a recurring challenge for urban school districts nationwide: balancing enrollment growth with aging facilities. Denver’s public schools have seen a 12% increase in students since 2020, yet capital budgets for repairs have remained flat. While the district has accelerated projects like the $450 million bond initiative approved in 2022, critics argue the pace is insufficient to address immediate safety risks.
“This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about whether kids can breathe safely in their classrooms,” said Maria Rodriguez, president of the Denver Public Schools United parent organization. “When systems fail like this, it’s a failure of planning, not just equipment.” Rodriguez added that her child’s school had reported similar HVAC issues last winter, yet no corrective action was taken until the problem became acute.
District officials have not commented on whether the closures will trigger an independent review of facility maintenance protocols. However, the DPS School Board is scheduled to discuss infrastructure funding at its next meeting on October 18, where parents and advocates are expected to push for accelerated repairs.
What Comes Next?
Looking ahead, the next critical checkpoint will be the district’s public forum on October 10, where officials are expected to outline a long-term plan for HVAC upgrades across high-risk schools. Meanwhile, families with affected students should monitor the district’s emergency notification portal for updates, as well as local weather advisories—high humidity or pollen seasons can exacerbate indoor air quality issues.
For those seeking immediate support, the Colorado Crisis Services offers resources for families navigating school disruptions, including childcare referrals and mental health assistance. The district has also activated its Parent Support Hotline at (720) 423-3300 for questions about alternative learning options.
As the school year advances, the pressure on DPS to address these infrastructure gaps will only grow. With winter approaching, the district’s ability to maintain safe learning environments will be tested further—and the outcomes may determine not just student attendance, but trust in the system itself.
Have you been affected by school closures or facility issues? Share your experience in the comments below or on social media using #DPSHVAC. Your insights could help shape policy discussions moving forward.
