OKC Schools Prepare To Keep Kids Cool When Classes Begin

Oklahoma City schools will start school on one of the hottest days in recorded Oklahoma history. That is causing some challenges for district administrators.

Air conditioning is going to be essential. Temperatures are expected to reach 111 degrees.

"We know safety is of great concern of our parents and our community as we bring students back in this heat," said Sandra Park, Oklahoma City Pubic Schools's Deputy Superintendent.

As of Tuesday morning, 41 classrooms did not have air conditioning, although all buildings do.

"We do not have an entire building down, it becomes critical at the stage," said Jim Burkey, the district's Chief Operating Officer.

The district has technicians working to repair the broken units.

"It's a moving target," said Burkey. "We can clear all 41 of the current classrooms and have 10 to 15 appear."

It will be up to building administrators to decide what to do if classrooms are without air conditioning.

"I was a building administrator for years and if you've got a class down, you find a cool place to put the kids," Burkey said.

Students will also be given frequent water breaks throughout the day and teachers are being told to watch children carefully for signs of dehydration.

The bigger issue will be getting kids to and from school. Most busses don't have air conditioning but will be stocked with water and cold cloths.

"We have concerns both morning routes and afternoon routes, but especially the afternoon," Burkey said.

Administrators are also encouraging parents to make sure their children and well hydrated before they get on the bus. The district is also deviating from policy and will allow students to bring bottled water on the bus. Bus drivers have been told to watch for signs of dehydration.

"Once we release them off the bus, we have sent out fliers encouraging the kids from the bus stop to home to walk in groups so they can monitor one another," Burkey said.

The other big issue will be recess. Teachers are being told to make sure playground equipment is not too hot. And if the heat index is above 103 degrees teachers will keep students inside.

7/31/12 Related Story: First Day Of Classes Delayed At OKC's Roosevelt Middle School