As heat waves move north, schools that once didn’t need air conditioning are now facing high costs to keep classrooms cool.
Anna Phillips and Veronica Penney report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Many schools built before the 1970s are struggling with higher temperatures due to climate change.
- The estimated cost to install air conditioning in affected schools exceeds $40 billion.
- School districts are struggling to secure funding for necessary upgrades.
Key quote:
“We have had situations where it’s been 88 degrees outside but the real feel in the classrooms is well over 90 degrees because of the humidity.”
— Shari Obrenski, president of the Cleveland Teachers Union
Why this matters:
Rising temperatures can disrupt education and pose health risks to students and staff. Without adequate cooling, schools may experience more closures, affecting academic performance and well-being. The situation is particularly challenging for low-income districts that may lack the resources to make these necessary upgrades.
