Local schools battle HVAC issues in extreme heat

State of play: Evidence is growing that students' academic performance is linked to their physical environments, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

• Last month, researchers analyzing 14 years of building inspections and educational outcomes in New York state found that improving HVAC systems can "over time reduce student absences and suspensions and modestly increase student math and reading scores."

Zoom in: Dozens of HVAC issues have been reported in Wake County public schools since the school year began Aug. 24, per ABC11.

• WRAL reports that on Wednesday, high schoolers in both Durham and Cary were sent home or relocated due to air conditioning issues.
• A bond referendum is on the ballot this November in Wake County, and the money is intended to help repair its aging schools.

What's next: The dangerous heat is forecast to subside after Saturday rains, per the National Weather Service in Raleigh.