Parents urge Box Elder School District to fund air conditioning, back bond for new schools

Keisha Miller, a parent of two McKinley Elementary students, told the Box Elder School District Board of Education during public comment that McKinley Elementary "does not have air conditioning" and that classrooms have become unbearably hot, prompting some students to say they do not want to return.

Miller said the lack of air conditioning is not isolated to McKinley and urged the board to treat the problem as districtwide. "This is about dignity, safety, and doing what's right," she said, adding that heat affects focus, memory, health and behavior.

Andrea Paige, a North Park parent, spoke in support of a bond measure to fund school improvements and new construction. Paige said North Park is overcrowded, uses many portable classrooms and that the district sometimes cancels or shortens the school day because of heat or water leaks. "We need these kids to have a good foundation," she said. "We need to fund their education."

Board members read the district's public-comment guidelines before the speakers and did not take action during public comment. The board moved on to action items following the comment period.

Why it matters: Parents tied classroom conditions to learning and staff retention. Speakers said the problem includes aging buildings without climate control, overcrowding at North Park and recurring operational interruptions that have led to shortened days and teachers leaving.

What the board heard (highlights): Keisha Miller said McKinley lacks air conditioning and that students and teachers are suffering; Andrea Paige urged support for a bond to build and renovate schools and described overcrowding and portable classrooms at North Park. No formal board action on the topic was recorded at the meeting; public comment was followed by agenda items.