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SHAC recommends new heat-index and wind‑chill rules for elementary recess; board thanks committee
Summary
The district’s School Health Advisory Council proposed updated weather protocols for outdoor activity — specific heat‑index thresholds and wind‑chill cutoffs — after reviewing national guidance and consulting the district medical advisor.
The Carrollton‑Farmers Branch ISD School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) presented a report on June 5 recommending updated weather guidelines for elementary outdoor recess and other outdoor activities.
Recommendation highlights: SHAC chair April Hooper Christiansen recommended using the PERI weather system for daily heat‑index and ozone checks and adopting tiered guidance: below a heat index of 89 = normal outdoor play with water and shade; 90–98 = take caution and provide water; 99–103 = limit activity to 20 minutes or less with water and shade; 104 and above = no outdoor play. For cold weather, SHAC recommended no outdoor play if wind chill is 33°F or below; comfortable outdoor play at wind chill 41°F or above with breaks.
What SHAC reviewed: the council said it consulted the American Academy of Pediatrics guidance, the National Weather Service and had the plan reviewed by the district medical advisor, Dr. Richard Rivera. SHAC reported it examined practices in other Texas districts (Austin, Richardson, Lewisville, Irving, Houston) and used PERI weather as the authoritative data source.
Board response and next steps: trustees thanked SHAC and noted the guidelines had been requested by teachers earlier in the year. Board members said administrators should continue to work with campuses to implement the guidance and ensure teacher and parent communication. SHAC members said campuses will be advised to provide water, shade and to consider individual student medical plans.
