Teacher says classrooms reached 97°F; board told handbook requires e-learning at 85°F

A teacher at East Chicago Central High School told the board on Dec. 9 that multiple classrooms experienced dangerously high indoor temperatures over two days, with at least one room reaching about 97°F, and said the district’s approved employee handbook requires action when temperatures meet or exceed 85°F.

"The hottest temperature that I know of for sure is 97 degrees in one of the classrooms," teacher Aaron Dunsell said. He read the handbook language into the record: "If at any time an indoor temperature of 85 degrees or higher is recorded within any occupied area of the building, this will automatically trigger an e learning day." Dunsell said classrooms were averaging well above 85°F and recommended the district consider e‑learning while a longer‑term HVAC fix is scheduled.

Board members acknowledged the concern. Trustees had voted earlier in the meeting to approve a construction‑management bid for the East Chicago Central High School HVAC project, but staff warned that major mechanical work would likely wait until an awarded contractor mobilizes (most likely during the construction season).

Community speaker Helen Steinbach urged clearer, earlier communication to families and staff about delays or weather-related changes so teachers and families are not surprised by late notices. She also suggested short‑term measures such as relocating freshmen or identifying cool spaces in the building and asked the board to expedite a maintenance contractor for immediate fixes.

Trustees did not take an immediate vote to close the school or shift to e‑learning during the meeting. The board and staff said they would continue to coordinate on short‑term relief while the approved HVAC procurement proceeds.