This story was originally published by The 19th. Angela Girol, a dedicated fourth-grade teacher in Pittsburgh for more than two decades, has observed a concerning trend at her school: rising temperatures. With classroom temperatures often reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit on hot days and no air conditioning, students suffer from dehydration and heat-related illnesses. To address this issue, students are now allowed to keep water on their desks, but this poses challenges as they frequently need breaks to fill up their bottles, leading to disruptions in instruction time.
Policymakers and researchers are starting to pay attention to the impact of extreme heat on schools and childcare facilities. The Center for American Progress and the Federation of American Scientists have both released reports highlighting the urgent need for better cooling systems in schools. The outdated infrastructure of many school buildings poses a significant challenge in ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for students, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
The effects of heat on children, including decreased learning outcomes and higher rates of absenteeism, are well-documented. Students without access to air conditioning in schools struggle to perform well academically, as evidenced by a study linking high outdoor temperatures to reduced academic gains. The lack of cooling options in schools, combined with security restrictions post-9/11, has left students and teachers in overheating classrooms with limited relief.
Efforts to address heat-related challenges in schools are underway at the state and local levels. Some states have implemented temperature regulations for educational facilities, while others are working on legislation to improve cooling systems and develop heat action plans. As advocates push for federal guidance and funding to support schools in adopting best practices for heat management, teachers like Kevin Toolan and Angela Girol are taking matters into their own hands by advocating for infrastructure upgrades and funding for air conditioning in schools. The need to address this issue is urgent, as the well-being and academic success of students are at stake in the face of extreme heat.
