A new section, 409-N, of the New York State Education Law, signed by Governor Hochul, establishes maximum temperature limits for school buildings and facilities beginning on September 1, 2025. When classroom temperatures reach 82°F, schools must take action to alleviate heat-related discomfort. If temperatures reach 88°F, schools must have a plan to relocate students and staff from classrooms. The plan should be practical and feasible, considering the specific circumstances of each school. Below is our policy for ensuring the health and safety of students, faculty, and other employees, on extreme heat condition days.
I. Purpose
To ensure the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff during extreme heat conditions by establishing protocols for temperature monitoring, heat mitigation, and, where necessary, the relocation or dismissal of occupants when indoor temperatures exceed safe thresholds.
II. Definitions
- Extreme Heat Condition Days: Days when occupiable educational and support services spaces reach 82°F or greater.
- Support Services Spaces: Includes offices, libraries, gyms, cafeterias (excluding kitchen areas used for food preparation).
- Temperature Measurement: Taken at a shaded location, three feet above the floor, near the center of the room.
III. Procedures for Heat Mitigation (82°F or Above)
When indoor temperatures reach 82°F, schools shall implement the following measures to alleviate heat-related discomfort:
- Turn off overhead lights where possible.
- Lower shades/blinds to block direct sunlight.
- Use fans to increase air circulation.
- Open windows and doors (where safe and secure).
- Turn off unused electronics that generate heat.
- Provide additional water breaks for students and staff.
- Adjust physical activity levels (e.g., limit strenuous activities in gyms).
IV. Relocation or Dismissal Plan (88°F or Above)
When indoor temperatures reach 88°F, the following actions must be taken:
A. Immediate Mitigation Efforts
- Assess Feasibility of Cooling Measures:
- Verify HVAC functionality (if applicable).
- Maximize cross-ventilation where possible.
- Distribute portable air conditioning units if available.
- Distribute portable fans if available.
- Relocation to Cooler Spaces:
- Identify and relocate students/staff to cooler areas (e.g., air-conditioned rooms, basements, shaded outdoor areas if safe).
- Prioritize vulnerable individuals (e.g., students with medical conditions, young children).
- Modified Schedule:
- If no cooler spaces are available, consider:
- Shortening the school day.
- Moving classes to virtual instruction (if feasible).
B. Communication Protocol
- Internal Notification:
- School administrators must alert staff and students when temperatures reach 88°F.
- School administration will work with the school’s custodial engineer to monitor temperature and designate school-based staff to implement relocation plans.
- Parent/Guardian Notification:
- If early dismissal or relocation occurs, notify parents via automated calls, emails, or district alerts.
- Documentation and Reporting:
- Schools must work with the custodial engineer to record temperature readings in any classroom with a recorded temperature above 82°F, temperature readings must be logged in the Director of School Facilities (DSF) HVAC Ventilation Database, along with detailed notes on mitigation actions taken.
- Additionally, schools should notify the EOC at 718-233-8515 or via email at EOC@schools.nyc.gov and must document in the school’s Online Occurrence Reporting System as per CR A-412.
V. Exemptions
- Kitchen Areas: Kitchens are exempt from temperature requirements due to operational necessity.
- Specialized Rooms: Spaces with critical equipment (e.g., server rooms) may require alternative cooling solutions.
VI. Training & Compliance
- Staff Training: Schools should annually review heat response protocols.
- Temperature Monitoring: The school’s custodial engineer will check classroom temperatures during heat advisories and record all complaints and mitigation efforts in their DSF HVAC Ventilation Database.
- Reporting: Schools must also document and report heat-related incidents in OORS and should inform their district office, the Superintendent’s EOC Designee, and/or the EOC at 718-233-8515, or via email, at EOC@schools.nyc.gov
VII. Review & Updates
This policy shall be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect the best practices and regulatory changes.