District 65 returns to sweltering temps

Apr 11, 2024

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Heat or no heat, Evanston/Skokie School District 65 is back in session Wednesday.

Despite an excessive heat warning, with Evanston expected to hit the mid-90s and a heat index around 110 degreees, school will be in session for the rest of the week.

“While we know these conditions are less than ideal, we remain committed to a joyous opening of school for our K-8 students tomorrow, August 23,” Interim Superintendent Angel Turner said in a message to families Tuesday evening. “This being said, we take very seriously the need to keep all of our students and staff safe and as comfortable as possible despite the predicted heat.”

Most District 65 buildings, which are an average of 77 years old, depend on window units for air conditioning in each classroom and common space. Hallways and gyms typically do not have AC, and “activities will be kept to a minimum” in those spaces, according to Turner.

The facilities and HVAC staff reportedly will leave all AC units going nonstop through Thursday night, when the excessive heat watch expires. Those teams were also testing equipment and finishing up last-minute repairs on Tuesday.

“We anticipate that it may still be warm in some spaces throughout the district given the age of our buildings and capacity of some of our cooling equipment. We are aware of an issue currently impacting several classrooms at Washington,” Turner said. “While we anticipate this being resolved soon, we are currently working alongside the school leadership team to provide support for these impacted classrooms.”

The district is also canceling or postponing a number of events because of the weather and putting several mitigation measures in place, including:

Evanston Township High School has the luxury of central air conditioning, though physical education classes will meet in the auditorium.

The Illinois High School Association also has a heat policy for all sports practices. Outdoor workouts are completely banned under certain conditions, and ETHS team practices should take place indoors if the sweltering forecast for Wednesday and Thursday afternoon holds.

“We know it will be warm and we ask for your patience and support in the coming days,” Turner wrote to the District 65 community. “If you have specific questions, please reach out to your school leaders.”

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Duncan Agnew covers Evanston public schools, affordable housing, City Hall and more for the RoundTable. He also writes long-form investigations, features and the morning email newsletter three times a... More by Duncan Agnew