Hot Weather FAQs

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY STUDENT STAY SAFE AND HYDRATED AT SCHOOL IN EXTREME HEAT?

Students are encouraged to bring containers of water to school during hot weather. Water fountains are available in all schools and schools are encouraging students to take extra water fountain breaks throughout the day. Students should dress in lightweight clothing that is in keeping with their school dress codes and make sure to apply sunscreen before school.

ARE MODIFICATIONS MADE FOR P.E. CLASSES DURING EXTREME HEAT?

Physical education activities at all grade levels are limited to less strenuous activities and/or are rescheduled to a more appropriate time. 

WHY DOESN'T THE DISTRICT TURN ON AC IN HIGH SCHOOL GYMS?  

Air conditioning systems were not installed in Hart District gyms during their construction.  While some hallways and entrance areas outside the physical gym do have air conditioning, there is no AC inside any Hart District high school gymnasiums. District staff have begun studying the scope of work and cost associated with modernizing high school gymnasiums.  Initial cost estimates are between $20-25 million dollars for all seven high schools.  This option would require special funding as it exceeds the capacity of the district's general operating budget.

WHAT IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH A CLASSROOM AIR-CONDITIONING UNIT?

Fans are available to classrooms experiencing difficulty with air-conditioning. Additionally, classes may be merged with other classes in air-conditioned buildings, such as media centers, cafeterias or auditoriums, or moved to outdoor shaded areas while repairs are being made.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

School administrators, athletic trainers, and coaches monitor data from the WBGT and AQI measurements hourly and make necessary adjustments to activities in order to keep students and staff safe. Athletic activities and practices may be canceled, rescheduled or moved indoors due to heat or air quality. Before- and after-school programs may also be modified or activities rearranged.

WHY DOESN'T THE DISTRICT CLOSE THE HVAC VENT AND RECYCLE AIR LIKE I CAN IN MY CAR?

We are required by the EPA to provide a minimum of 15 cubic feet of outside air per person.  This calculates to 450 cubic feet for a 30 person classroom.  The outside air temperature affects the ability to keep the classroom comfortable in excessive heat, but the requirement is intended for the health of the occupants.  This was especially critical during the recent pandemic in assuring proper air exchange indoors.

WHY DOESN'T THE DISTRICT LOWER THE AC SETTINGS?  WON'T THAT COOL A ROOM FASTER?

HVAC Units can only provide 15 to 20 degrees of cooling below outside ambient temperature.  This means that the HVAC units maximum cooling capacity is 85 degrees inside a classroom when the temp reaches 105 degrees outside.  Thermostat settings will not affect this physical limitation of mechanical equipment (setting the thermostat to 50 in this case will never produce better than 85 degrees).