Two school districts in Morgan County will be sending students home early today and tomorrow due to excessive heat.
Most schools in Central Illinois remain in session, but Franklin, one of the few districts in the area without air conditioning, will be letting students out at 2 p.m.
“We don’t have air conditioning in our buildings and heat indices will be over 100 degrees. Besides the hot classroom, it is just as big an issue with our buses being so hot. We have kids on them for an hour and a half in the afternoon. They will still be on them, but at least we will be getting them home a little earlier.”
Stremlau says there isn’t a specific guideline for putting the heat schedule in place.
“I use to count on neighboring districts, but we are now one of the few that don’t have air conditioning. We play it by ear and make the best judgement for the kids safety and best interests in mind.”
Since Franklin and Waverly share classes, Waverly will also be letting students out at 2 p.m. for the next two days.
The heat is impacting sporting events too. The Franklin vs Springfield Lutheran volleyball match is being moved to Waverly High School.
Other schools around the state, like Mercer County, Decatur Public Schools, Moline School District and Peoria School District are ending classes early today.