Boiler problem at Bronx elementary leaves students in the cold

FORDHAM (WABC) -- At lunchtime in the cafeteria of PS 33 in the Fordham section of the Bronx, students were clearly cold and wearing their coats. In one classroom, a thermometer reads about 50 degrees. As students moved through the hallways, they were also wearing their coats and hats.

"No heat today in the classrooms," said student Alexis Mendoza, "it was cold, so I had to put on my jacket so I wouldn't get cold."

Now, Mayra Mendoza plans to find out why, she says school officials have not sent home information about the heating problems at PS 33.

Ortiz Pedro says he heard about the problems when a large portable boiler was hooked up to the school.

"The boiler is down in the building, so it is not that bad, there's not that much heat, so they're working on it," Pedro said, "they got the boiler, and they are getting some kind of heat."

It is unclear when the portable boiler was installed, or the extent of the problem with the main boiler and how long repairs will take. School officials will only say heat was restored earlier in the day, but they will be hearing from other parents worried about their children trying to study.

"I don't think it's good, they are supposed to let us know in a paper or something that they don't have heat," says parent Anna Caridad.

So far, the school has not sent home anything.