The Toronto-area school boards have announced that they have no intention of closing schools on Monday in light of the extreme heat and humidity affecting the city. Despite the discomfort caused by high temperatures, officials believe that students should continue attending classes.
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) acknowledged that while some of its 579 schools are equipped with central air conditioning, many others are not. Approximately 30 percent of TDSB schools have central air; the rest either have access to cooling centers such as libraries and gyms or contain smaller air conditioning units.
In a communication to parents and caregivers on Sunday, the TDSB urged them to encourage their children to wear light clothing, along with hats and sunscreen, and to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the school day. This guidance comes as schools brace for the challenging weather conditions.
To mitigate the discomfort that students may experience, TDSB staff have pledged to take several steps. These include using fans to circulate air, keeping lights and computers turned off when possible, and minimizing physically demanding activities like gym classes, sports, and recess.
The TDSB emphasized that closing schools is not a viable option, as such actions would leave parents and caregivers in a difficult situation of needing to secure childcare with very little notice, a challenge not easily overcome.
Similarly, the Toronto Catholic District School Board has reported that over 80 percent of its 196 schools have air-conditioned spaces and has provided guidelines for responding to the heat. In a report on Friday, parents voiced their concerns regarding the heat, with some expressing that they would consider keeping their children at home due to the soaring temperatures. Others acknowledged the measures being taken but described them as insufficient, characterizing them as a "patchwork solution."
One parent, speaking on the ongoing issue of heat in schools, mentioned their long-standing concern, particularly the heating issues that arise during the last week of school and the first week of the new academic year. The parent remarked that the underlying problem has always been insufficient funding, stating, “No money. It’s always money.”
This ongoing situation highlights the challenges school boards in the Toronto area face in ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for students during extreme weather conditions. As students prepare to return to school amidst the heat wave, the emphasis on hydration, appropriate clothing, and sensible school policies remains crucial for their well-being.
