When Atlanta Public Schools students head back to school today, some will arrive at schools without fully functioning air conditioning or enough textbooks.

District spokesperson James Malone said the air conditioning outages are not school-wide and affected areas have “temporary cooling units.” He did not answer questions about the number of schools affected by the problems.

Atlanta Superintendent Meria Carstarphen said last week that some principals had not placed textbook orders in time.

Malone said many Georgia schools no longer rely only on textbooks for instruction. “All necessary materials for homework and studying” will be provided for APS students, he said.

How was your family’s first day of school? Contact the AJC by email or call (770) 263-3866 to report any problems or concerns.

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Sheree Smith (left) casts her ballot at Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. In addition to municipal races for mayors, city councils and school board members, this year’s election also will decide the members of the Georgia Public Service Commission. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

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A person exits the Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta after casting his ballot during election day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC