BRIGHAM CITY – The Box Elder School District is the latest school district in the state attempting to deal with high temperatures as students return to school. Temperatures are projected to remain in the mid- to upper-90s into next week, which is problematic in large classrooms without air conditioning.
In a statement released on Thursday, district Superintendent Steven E. Carlsen said the district will be limiting school to four hours a day on Tuesday, Sept. 6 and Wednesday, Sept. 7. School will go full time on Thursday, Sept. 8. The district is also holding off the start of pre-school and kindergarten classes until Sept. 8th as well.
“We are aware of the burden this places on working parents for daycare but we feel strongly that we need to continue with minimum days for these two days,” Superintendent Carlsen said. “We also ask you to send water bottles (containers) for your child/children to be able to keep full and use throughout the morning.”
On Wednesday the Cache County School District also advised parents to send students to school with water bottles, to stay hydrated and to dress in lighter clothing.
“Parents, if your child has any health condition that would make it hard for them to attend even a half day,” Carlsen added, “please know you can excuse your child and they will be allowed to make up any work they may miss.”
The Logan City School District has cooling systems in all of its schools, though not all units are fully operational at this time. Superintendent Frank Schofield says there are a few classrooms at Mount Logan Middle School and Logan High that are experiencing warm classrooms as the district is waiting on parts that have been delayed due to supply chain issues.
Hey, two districts are trying to assist the students and teachers by keeping them out of the hot schools! Now, that’s taking action; a bandaid, not a solution. So, now is the time for the superintendents to work with the state to provide a permanent solution. They know the climate is warming, and future taxpayers need an education, not a sauna experience. By providing air conditioning to all schools, more flexible educational options are possible, the use of buildings could be optimized, and learning conditions improve.
A/C is a contributor to global warming.
So then what’s your solution? Because I’m not willing to send my kids to school in an oven, but the AC is bad for the environment, so what’s the answer? Do you have children who attend a non air conditioned school? And if so, are you willing to half bake them? And if you don’t, then your opinion is not needed on the issue!