It’s pretty easy to imagine how a sweltering classroom can negate the best lesson plan and the most motivated teacher.
That’s why we think it’s wise for Denver Public Schools, as well as others in the same situation, to consider moving the school start back into September when the weather typically cools off.
To be sure, Colorado suffered the hottest August on record, which made those schools without air conditioning all but unbearable.
Along with DPS, Pueblo 60 and Boulder Valley Schools were in the same boat. These districts have some air-conditioned classrooms, but a significant number that are not.
It might seem to be a simple matter at first blush: Just start later to take advantage of Colorado’s temperate early fall weather.
But setting the school calendar is never a simple matter and there are many constituencies in the process.
Michael Vaughn, DPS spokesman, said the reason DPS went with a late August start date is because it was the consensus choice. He was adamant that it wasn’t just at the behest of school employees, though their voices were part of the process.
Some of the considerations in setting a school start date include the scholastic athletic calendar, the ability of students to get summer jobs and effects on students who are taking concurrent enrollment classes — those who are enrolled in college classes while in high school. Parents’ preferences are taken into account as well.
Vaughn said the district would open a discussion with parents, staff and others about the calendar.
In Boulder Valley School District, the issue also is on the table. New superintendent Bruce Messinger will approach the school board to discuss ways of dealing with the heat. Those could include adjusting the calendar, portable cooling units or other measures.
Only eight of 51 BVS schools are without air-conditioning, which is a small proportion, but of little comfort to those who are in the hot classes.
In Pueblo, about half of the district’s 3 million square feet is air-conditioned. During the first days of school, the district brought in 200 fans, bottled water and relaxed dress codes to deal with the heat, according to a story in the Pueblo Chieftain.
In some Pueblo classrooms, temperatures reached the mid-90s, according to the Chieftain. Officials from the Pueblo City-County Health Department were called out to monitor conditions.
That’s just too hot for learning.
As these districts and others around the state — undoubtedly there are others — consider August heat and the school calendar, we hope they’ll take a long look at beginning school in early September.
Spending millions to install air-conditioning for what amounts to a few days a year is not a prudent use of limited resources.
Starting after Labor Day would make the first days of school more productive and easier to bear for everyone.
