California is currently experiencing a fall heat wave, with many schools struggling to keep up with air conditioning system repairs. In coastal areas like Long Beach and Oakland, some classrooms lack air conditioning altogether due to outdated school buildings. Inland regions have air conditioning in classrooms, but common areas like gyms and cafeterias may not be adequately cooled. As a result, students are facing dangerous conditions in the midst of intensifying heat waves.
Parents and teachers have reported difficulties in focusing and accomplishing tasks in hot classrooms. One mother shared the story of her daughter being diagnosed with heat exhaustion after a day in a hot classroom with a broken air conditioning system. LAUSD teachers have also struggled to teach effectively due to headaches and lethargy caused by the heat. Research indicates that heat can impact learning, with a 1-degree increase in temperature leading to a 1% decrease in test scores.
School districts would require tens of billions of dollars to upgrade their air conditioning systems, but funding is limited. However, there is hope as Californians will have the opportunity to vote for a $10 billion school infrastructure fund to help schools improve their facilities, including air conditioning systems. The issue of school air conditioning woes in California is a pressing one that requires attention and action to ensure the safety and well-being of students and educators.
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