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With higher temperatures than normal, Pittsburgh Public Schools have introduced a new extreme heat protocol for schools without air conditioning.
41 Pittsburgh Public School buildings do not have sufficient air conditioning systems.
When temperatures are forecasted to be higher than 85 degrees or have a heat index of 90 degrees according to the National Weather Service, the district will monitor temperatures inside the buildings and the overall situation to determine whether to switch to remote learning.
Two Pittsburgh public schools are already learning remotely for at least the remainder of the week due to ventilation challenges, they are Pittsburgh Obama Academy and the Pittsburgh Peabody Obama Early Childhood Center.
Superintendent Wayne Walter and the district sent out the following information for parents:
The health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Exposure to excessive heat can cause heat-related illness. Therefore, when outside temperatures are forecasted for one or more days to exceed 85℉ and/or a heat index of 90℉ or higher according to the National Weather Service, the District will monitor the temperatures inside our buildings that do not have sufficient air conditioning systems to inform decisions to protect the health and safety of students and staff. These decisions may include a temporary shift to remote learning or other actions. The District will decide and communicate as early as possible to minimize last-minute disruptions for students, families, and staff. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions, please call the parent hotline 412-529-HELP that’s 412-529-4857.