Thousands of Denver students attend school in extreme heat zones
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As many as 63% of Denver's public school students will return to class Monday in an extreme urban heat zone — where heat is trapped by heat-absorbing surfaces and structures — per a new analysis.
Why it matters: The heat island effect can make some neighborhoods notably warmer than others — particularly in lower-income and nonwhite communities — especially during heat waves like the one that recently broiled the city.
- Many schools lack adequate air conditioning, jeopardizing kids' health, focus and ability to learn.
By the numbers: In the 2022-23 school year, nearly two-thirds of Denver's public K-12 students — about 55,600 kids — attended schools where the heat island effect increases temperatures by at least 8°F, according to a new analysis from Climate Central, a climate research group.
- Nationally, the share is even higher. 76% of public school students in the 65 largest U.S. cities faced the same conditions.
The latest: Ahead of students walking into their first day, Denver Public Schools spent the summer racing to chip away at the list of 29 schools without AC.
- Thanks to a $975 million voter-approved bond last year, AC was recently installed at Doull and Ellis elementary schools, CBS4 reports.
- Work has been underway at six more — Skinner Middle School and Cory, Asbury, Johnson, McMeen and Bryant-Webster elementary schools — but won't be done until next summer.
What they're saying: Jo Carrigan, principal of Doull Elementary School, told Denver7 the heat can push classroom temperatures above 90 degrees, causing everything from melted crayons to kids who can't concentrate.
What's next: DPS plans to have AC in all schools by 2028. Until then, the district says it may implement early-release "heat days" when indoor temperatures are deemed unsafe.