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Penfield Board reviews new classroom temperature policy required by state law
Summary
The Penfield board held a first reading of a new policy on maximum classroom temperatures tied to state legislation. The policy sets mitigation steps at 82°F and requires relocation where practical at 88°F; the board said the policy must be in effect by Sept. 1.
The Penfield Central School District Board of Education held a first reading July 15 of a new policy derived from state legislation setting maximum classroom temperatures. The draft policy requires mitigation steps when classroom temperatures reach 82 degrees Fahrenheit and requires the district to remove students from classrooms where temperatures hit 88 degrees, when practicable.
“82 degrees, you need to make some mitigation efforts… At 88 degrees … the district has to take steps where practical to remove students from that learning environment,” said Dr. Driffill during the board discussion.
Board members were told the policy’s temperature measurements should be taken three feet off the ground in the middle of the classroom, language the presenter said comes directly from the legislation. The policy must be in effect by Sept. 1, and the board indicated it will consider adoption at a next meeting so the district can comply with the statutory deadline.
The discussion noted that mitigation at lower thresholds could include closing shades, using fans or portable air-conditioning units and reducing heat sources in the classroom. No vote was taken; the item was presented for first reading and will return to the board for final action prior to the required effective date.
