The High Price of Low Temps in Chicago Schools

A reliable air conditioning system is more than a just matter of comfort; in many instances, having a climate control system that you can count on makes all the difference with health and safety. The Chicago Public School system has come to this realization recently, and the Mayor has just made installing air conditioners in their public schools the next big project on the agenda. This comes at a busy time, so soon after the recent student consolidation following the closing of a number of local schools.

During the warmer months that bookend the 180-day school year, when the heat from outdoors permeates into the stuffy classrooms, opening the windows doesn’t even begin to offer the necessary ventilation to keep kids cool and focused. In fact, uncomfortable heat in schools carries the risk of student distraction as well as the risk of harmful effects on students’ health.

Late spring temperature spikes are known to cause kids’ minds to wander in the classroom. When bodily discomfort is on your mind, there is little room for anything else. Needless to say, when ambient classroom temperatures start to climb this time of year, it can be hard to keep kids focused. When students start to sweat, they tend to use their notebook paper for making paper fans rather than taking notes, all while daydreaming about swimming pools and popsicles.

Not only does the mind wander when it’s overly warm, but excessive heat can cause myriad of health risks for students and teachers alike. Joel Hood, a spokesperson for CPS, said the Mayor’s recent AC mandate is “a health and safety issue as far as [they are] concerned,” indicating just how seriously they are taking this matter.

Overheating can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, fainting, and even heat stroke. CPS students are at an even higher risk of these health problems now that their classrooms are overcrowded following the closing of local schools in the district. Last year, after the redistricting of students whose schools were eliminated, Mayor Emanuel ordered all schools that had incorporated the new students into their classrooms to be equipped with air conditioning to curb any effects of overcrowding and overheating.

Now, these safety mandates are spreading to the rest of the district, with the project officially beginning this summer. The Mayor estimates that the cost of equipping each classroom in the district with air conditioning will be upwards of $100 million - sounds like he’s shopping at the wrong supplier!

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