Evidence continues to emerge about the effect indoor air quality has on a student's ability to learn. One study cited by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows moderate changes in room temperature affect children's abilities to perform mental tasks requiring concentration, such as addition, multiplication and sentence comprehension. As a result, the EPA suggests that schools should be designed, built and maintained in ways to minimize and control sources of pollution, provide adequate exhaust and outdoor air ventilation by natural and mechanical means, and maintain proper temperature and humidity conditions. Yet, school administrators are under financial pressure to defer or eliminate capital expenses not directly related to education. Substantial investments such as central plant upgrades or expansions often are put on hold. Many institutions are forced to continue operating equipment for as long as possible in what's commonly referred to as "run-to-fail" mode. The uncertainty of today's economy is forcing many educators to tempt fate. The strategy may be understandable, but it is not without risk. If equipment fails, contingency plans for temporary cooling must be in place if schools are to recover without significantly affecting operations or student performance. This article describes a comprehensive contingency plan for temporary cooling.