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District outlines extreme-heat response policy, cautions on limited facilities and funding
Summary
Superintendent presented a first read of the state's heat-response policy: actions begin at 82'F and removal/relocation may be required at 88'F where practicable; the district noted limited cooler spaces and estimated a multimillion-dollar cost to fully air-condition instructional spaces.
The board received a first reading of a new state policy governing extreme heat in school buildings. Superintendent Mr. Serticio explained the policy defines "extreme heat condition days" at 82'F and requires mitigation steps (closing blinds, turning on fans, providing water breaks and using air conditioning where available); it allows the district to remove students and staff from spaces when internal room temperatures reach 88'F "where practicable." "The district will will remove students and staff from educational and support services spaces when the room temperature reaches 88 degrees Fahrenheit where practicable," he said.
Mr. Serticio told the board the language "where practicable" comes from statewide advocacy groups and reflects that many districts lack cooler alternative instructional spaces; Eden's buildings have only limited air-conditioned rooms (cafeteria, auditorium, a few computer labs). He estimated a full-campus air-conditioning retrofit would cost on the order of tens of millions of dollars (he cited a $53,000,000 figure for district-wide AC), and stressed the state has not provided commensurate funds to meet the mandate.
Board members asked whether teachers could bring personal AC units (not permitted) and about how many hours of the day count toward a full school day for closure decisions. Mr. Serticio emphasized the policy does not automatically require evacuation or ending the school day in every instance, but that the district will weigh practicability, student safety and bargaining agreements when deciding how to respond.
