Statement from NYSUT President Melinda Person on extreme heat:
“This week’s sweltering heat is a stark reminder that school districts must be fully prepared to protect students and staff during extreme weather. That’s why NYSUT fought to pass New York’s first classroom heat law going into effect this fall. For the first time, we have enforceable statewide standards: when indoor temperatures reach 82 degrees, schools must act — and if a room hits 88 degrees or higher, it should not be used.
Many districts have already preemptively declared early closures this week. Learning suffers in overheated classrooms, and students’ mental and physical health is at risk. The old status quo — where educators and kids were expected to sweat through the day — is over.
Educators shared their stories, lawmakers listened, and now New York has clear protections in place. Every district must be prepared to act — because the safety of our school communities can’t be left to chance.”
Learn more about the new law and NYSUT’s advocacy here.