Students are trying to keep cool in the Grossmont Union High School District as this heat wave continues. KPBS reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
Many East County classrooms don't have adequate air conditioning units because they were built decades ago. So far this week schools are sticking to their full-day schedule, but last week three campuses cut the school day short on two separate occasions.
District spokeswoman Catherine Martine says students’ health and safety are compromised in those older classrooms when the mercury rises above 95-degrees.
Martine : When you turn up the heat in the classroom, perhaps a chiller system isn't working in the classroom, or they don't have windows and circulation is poor, it becomes impossible for learning in the classroom.
Martin says teachers with air-conditioned classrooms often share their work space with other teachers who have no AC. Grossmont is working to install new air conditioning units in all classrooms thanks to a taxpayer-approved school bond.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
