More Wake County schools were without air conditioning on a big day for students, teachers and parents.

On Monday, the Wake County Public School System confirmed that Penny Road Elementary and Douglas Magnet Elementary also have partially functioning air conditioning. We're also waiting for confirmation of outages from at least three other schools.

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As the bell rang for the first day of school, parents told WRAL News that something needs to be done.

Notebooks, pencils and crayons in every color are staples on the back-to-school shopping list. This year, some Wake County parents added air-conditioning units for their children's classrooms.

"My first thought was my child, right?" said Maegan McKenny. "If there is an AC issue, children can't learn in the classroom if it's hot."

Penny Road Elementary in Cary is one of seven schools in Wake County with confirmed HVAC outages. That list now includes:

  • Lynn Road Elementary School
    • Banks Road Elementary School
      • South Garner High School
        • Millbrook High School
          • Wendell Magnet Elementary School
            • Douglas Magnet Elementary School
              • Penny Road Elementary School

                McKenny said the school community worked quickly last week to make sure all affected classrooms had window air conditioners.

                "I can't say that for all the schools," McKenny said. "The parents, if they don't know, they can't do anything about it. This needs to be taken care of."

                WRAL asked Wake County schools Monday afternoon how many HVAC technicians it has, whether it is hiring more and whether it contracts with outside companies for repairs. A spokesperson said the district currently has 13 HVAC technicians but did not immediately answer the other questions.

                Wake Superintendent Robert Taylor told WRAL that "equipment breaks down," leading to outages, but repairs usually begin within 24 hours.

                "When I say that less than 5% of schools have closed due to this, I think we have a really, really good record," Taylor said.

                McKenny said she was disappointed by the district's response and had a clear message for them.

                "Kids can't learn when they're hot. Kids can't learn when they're cold, when they're hungry. Saying that only 5% are affected — my child's part of that 5%, right?"

                McKenny said she is proud of how quickly the Penny Road community came together to make sure students had air-conditioned classrooms by the start of school.