Kansas City Public Schools will let out early for lack of AC amid dangerous heatwave
Kansas City Public Schools will let out early this week in the face of a dangerous heatwave as district officials concluded Monday that having students go home was the “responsible and safe choice.”
The Kansas City metro caught the first glimpse Monday of a heat index soaring above 100 degrees, with high temperatures to remain on the horizon. Because the district does not have working air-conditioning in all of its classrooms — and as the latest bout of high heat has strained the ones it has — KCPS said there would be a new bell schedule put in place through at least Thursday.
“We understand this might come as a sudden change, but the safety and well-being of our students and staff are always our top priority,” the district said in a statement on its website. “It’s important to note that many of our secondary schools don’t have AC units in all of the classrooms, and the existing AC units are struggling due to this unusual heat, and are not able to maintain a comfortable temperature within our facilities.”
Elementary, middle and high school students were to spend 3 ½ hours in class under the temporary schedule. Start times were unchanged.
KCPS plans to let families know of any additional updates as officials monitor the weather, according to its statement Monday.
“Our top priority, as always, is the safety and security of our students and staff,” the district said, adding: “We acknowledge that this situation might bring about added challenges and uncertainties for your family, and we genuinely appreciate your understanding during these trying times.”
The National Weather Service of Kansas City warned Monday that short durations outdoors could be risky as a heat index between 110 to 120 degrees was expected for most days this week, with high humidity.
An excessive heat warning was put in effect in the Kansas City area through 10 p.m. Thursday. Actual temperatures are expected to peak around 100 degrees each day until then.
As of Monday night, KCPS appeared to be the only with major changes to its class schedule. But the announcement came as other districts, many of which were in their first week of school, were making plans to deal with the heat.
Classes were canceled for Tuesday at Rushton Elementary in the Shawnee Mission School District because one of the building’s air conditioning units wasn’t working. The plan was to have students back in class on Wednesday, said David A. Smith, chief communications officer for the district.
Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools canceled afternoon and evening sports through at least Thursday. Though all facilities have working air-conditioning, parents whose children attend there were told students may have an excused absence if they have health or heat-related concerns.
In Shawnee Mission, the district canceled outdoor recess and brought after-school activities indoors Monday. Plans were to make a decision day-by-day as the blistering-hot week wears on.
The Star’s Robert A. Cronkleton contributed to this report.
This story was originally published August 21, 2023 at 10:56 PM.
