Two Pasadena Schools Closed Early Due to Air Conditioning Problems

Due to a lack of air conditioning, Chesapeake Bay Middle School and Folger McKinsey Elementary School closed at 11 a.m. today.

According to Capt. James Rostek from the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, two patients at Chesapeake Bay Middle School needed medical treatment because of heat-related issues. According to Principal Susan Bachmann, no students from Folger McKinsey required medical attention due to the heat.

"We didn't have any kids with heat stroke or anything like that," said Bachmann. "We moved all the kids outside into the shade after we were told this morning that the school would be closing at 11 a.m. They did whatever work their teachers thought they should be doing outdoors."

Bachmann added that the students were well-behaved and that there were no problems in transporting them outdoors and to the buses. Bachmann also said she was unsure if the air conditioning would be fixed and if school would be in session tomorrow.

"Our teachers are trained to deal with situations like this," said Bachmann. "We have monthly emergency drills covering all kinds of potential problems, including things like this."

Parents were alerted and buses were prepared to take students home after the schools were closed.