D47 Schools Without AC Close Amid Heat Wave

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Canterbury Elementary School and West Elementary School students will not be heading to school Wednesday and Thursday.

The two buildings do not have air conditioning in the majority of the classrooms and instructional spaces, and District 47 has made the decision to call off classes at both schools amid an excessive heat warning, District 47 Superintendent Kathy Hinz wrote in a letter to parents. School will resume on Friday for the schools.

"This closure will not have an adverse impact on the education of students who will be missing school during this period. Teachers will be able to adjust their pacing to ensure that the standards are taught over the course of the trimester," Hinz said.

All other D47 schools, which do have air conditioning in the majority of their buildings, will be in session during the excessive heat, according to Hinz.

During recess at those schools, children will participate in regular activities outside as long as the heat index is 90 degrees or lower. If the heat index rises to 91 to 95 degrees during the scheduled recess, activities will be restricted; and if it is 96 degrees or above, all activities will remain inside, Hinz wrote in the letter to parents.

"This closure will not have an adverse impact on the education of students who will be missing school during this period. Teachers will be able to adjust their pacing to ensure that the standards are taught over the course of the trimester," Hinz said.