Springfield schools with no air conditioning deal with late summer heat

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Classes are back in session for Springfield Public Schools, but older buildings may not be able to handle the late summer heat.

Temperatures from late August to Early September are normally in the high 70s and low 80s. Warm temperatures combined with humidity make for a potentially dangerous environment in buildings with no air conditioning.

Avell Cavaan, Chief Communications Officer for Springfield Public Schools, addressed the need to cool down classrooms early in the school year. “Wherever possible, the district is always looking to you know to make that improvement for school. It’s a priority as much as teaching and learning is to keep our kids as comfortable and safe as possible,” said Cavaan.

Many schools in the area are in buildings that can’t accommodate air-conditioning units, but they have other methods to stay cool such as keeping windows open blinds, drawn down, and using electric fans.

Funding was announced this summer that provides crucial HVAC upgrades for three elementary schools in Springfield. That still leaves over 25 schools in the district without air conditioning. There are ways that parents can be proactive in keeping their children safe from the heat.

“So kids are encouraged to stay hydrated. we would ask parents on those hot days to dress their child in light clothing and to send a water bottle to school so that they can refill their water bottle throughout the day,” said Cavaan.

Cavaan also said that increasing heat advisory days could lead to school cancellations in the interest of student safety.

With schools already underway in many cities, we will most likely have to wait until next year for any widespread improvements.

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