Lack of air conditioning leads to half school days in South Bay

CAMPBELL, Calif. (KTVU) -- With the sizzling hot temperatures showing no signs of letting up, emergency half days were in effect Wednesday at eight South Bay high schools because of limited air conditioning.

It is an unprecedented move by the district all because of the heat. They said it was a decision they had to make for student safety

The half day a first for Del Mar High School in its 56-year history. Classes cut short because it simply is too hot. The majority of students in the Campbell Union High School District had no qualms about it.

 “It’s actually a really good idea,” said Branham High School Junion Farzin Javid. “I think it's going to help us. We have more time to even study.”

 “I feel great because the heat is really taking a toll on me right now,” said Branham High School Junior Andy Macias. “It's better to get out early because we have more time to do our homework.”

Rather than having students sweat it out, the district enacted “emergency minimum days” for eight of its high school campuses as the mercury hit 100 degrees.

 “This was a tough call for us,” said Campbell Union High School District Assistant Superintendent Brett McFadden. “We debated this all weekend long. We were seeing reports of being in the low 100s and the fact that many of our classrooms are not air conditioned. We have been getting complaints for several weeks of high heat.”

In fact, less than half of all the district's classrooms have air conditioning. The assistant superintendent said the district is looking at another bond measure to provide AC for all classrooms in these older schools, built in the late 1950's and 60's. One mother who said her son gets heat-triggered migraines supported the decision.

 “I think ideally in the long run they would have better climate control but then budget is also a consideration,” said Parent Eleanor Oster.

Another parent had to leave work early to pick up her daughter from school.

“They have it at the middle school where I have a child,” said Parent Susan Rojas. “Why don't they have it at the high school? I'm sure the administrators have air conditioning at their office.”

 “I know I should be in class right now because I have a lot of work today,” said Alyssa Rojas who is a Del Mar High School Sophomore. “I do hope that the rest of the week is minimum day. I also hope it's only this week so we can get the rest of the work we need to get done.”

Also a first, the district has moved all outdoor practices indoors. Right now, the district said Friday is looking to be a normal day given temperatures will be in the mid 90's.