The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Sept. 12, directed its staff to meet with local school districts and assist them with obtaining state and federal grant money available for cooling measures at campuses in an effort to protect students from extreme heat.
“Due to the nature of their design, many schools are some of the hottest locations in the county,” Supervisor Hilda Solis, who introduced the motion, said in a statement following the unanimous vote. “Play yards dominated by asphalt increase heat risk, and the lack of trees on many campuses results in fewer opportunities for cooling shade. It’s clear many schools need to reimagine their campuses to address extreme heat.”
According to Solis, there are various funding opportunities available for school districts, including a recent state allocation of $73 million for schools to replace asphalt surfaces with green spaces, trees and vegetation.
Her motion directs various county departments to meet with interested school districts to provide them with information about possible funding sources for cooling projects, and to assist them in applying for and obtaining the funds.
It also calls for the county to create a “toolkit” of ways schools can provide cooler environments for children.
“As we continue to see extreme heat-related events due to the climate crisis, we need to act to safeguard our children, teachers, and communities to be better protected, especially those living in heat-prone areas like the San Fernando Valley,” Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who co-sponsored the motion, said in a statement.
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iconoclast says
I agree. Go back to having school or college end last day of May and begin again after Labor Day. Schedule NO classes for the summer, so that students, staff, and educators can have 3 months off. Also, the County can open recreation centers and pools, so that students can relax and, if necessary, be fed something at the rec centers. Opening school in August is insane! Spending millions on the currently insanity is not cost effective or wise!
Kay says
School used to start the day after Labor Day; however, in their infinite wisdom, the schools/politicians decided it would be a good idea to have students begin the school year in August–the hottest time of summer. Why don’t they go back to the traditional start time? Oh, wait, I just answered by own question. It’s out with anything that even suggests “tradition.” It seems that morons run everything these days.
PRETTY POLLYANNA says
I FEEL THAT SOME NICE COOLING AND SOOTHING MISTING SYSTEMS OVERHEAD IN THE CLASSROOM WOULD CERTAINLY HELP –
DON’T YOU TOO ?
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THOSE ASPHALT PLAYGROUNDS ARE NICE AND WARM IN THE CHILLY WINTERS –
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– VISUALIZE WORLD PEACE EVERYONE –
PRETTY POLLYANNA
Say what? says
Pretty Pollyanna who is going to approve misters in classrooms ?