Denver

Denver Public Schools (DPS) have canceled classes at over a dozen schools due to extreme heat expected on Thursday, with temperatures projected to peak in the high 90s. Specific schools affected include Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8, which will release students early at 12:30 p.m. and 12:20 p.m. respectively. These decisions are part of an effort to ensure student safety during the ongoing heatwave.

Early Dismissal Details

Students at both Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster will be provided lunch before their early dismissal. The regular bus service will operate on the typical routes at the adjusted times for those schools. Alongside DPS’s actions, Poudre School District has also opted for early dismissals in response to high temperatures, including all elementary and middle schools and select high schools within its jurisdiction.

Impact of Extreme Heat

Many DPS schools are facing challenges due to a lack of adequate air conditioning, which contributes to the decision to cancel classes during extreme heat. The school district’s officials have recognized that unexpected closures may pose difficulties for families. Notifications about potential class cancellations were sent directly to parents by 5 p.m. the night before to provide advanced warning.

Background on Air Conditioning Issues

Some schools, such as Skinner Middle School, are still awaiting much-needed upgrades to their air conditioning systems. A bond approved by voters, which was intended to fund these enhancements, has faced delays. Particularly at Skinner, the discovered presence of asbestos has pushed the completion of the air conditioning installation project to 2026. Many parents and guardians are expressing frustration and concern over the lack of cooling facilities during periods of extreme heat, questioning how taxpayer funds have been allocated in efforts to improve school infrastructure.

Community Response

Parents and community members have voiced their concerns over the readiness of the schools to provide a safe learning environment during extreme weather conditions. They are urging school officials to prioritize climate control in future planning, as heat-related closures are becoming more frequent, particularly in August when temperatures tend to soar. The community is closely monitoring how funding will be used to address these pressing issues to ensure that students and staff are not put at risk during such severe weather.

Conclusion

The decision to cancel or modify school schedules due to heat is a critical step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. Ongoing discussions about infrastructure improvements, particularly regarding air conditioning in schools, continue to highlight the need for immediate attention in the face of rising temperatures and prolonged heat waves.