New "Heat" Law Helps Protect Students In New York

The first heatwave of 2025 in New York State is forcing some schools in the state to change their school day, and this could become more frequent under a new law.

Heat Days For Students In New York State

As we battle well above average temperatures to start the week, some schools in New York State have switched to half days to allow students to beat the heat at home or in an air-conditioned building.

This could become more common as a new law that starts with the next school year dictates how warm classrooms can be.

The new law, which starts on September 1st, states that the maximum temperature in classrooms can be no warmer than 88 degrees, and schools need to have a plan for when the classroom temperatures reach 82 degrees.

Soulations For Heat Days In New York State

Schools will have several different options when it comes to "Heat Days" in New York. Like "Snow Days," school can cancel school for the day. They can also change a full day of school to half days to let students out before peak heat.

They will also be able to use "Heat Days' as remote learning days. This would allow students to find air-conditioned or cooler places to learn for the day.

Do you think schools in New York State should have a plan in place for extreme heat, like they do for snow? Let us know what you think HERE or send your thoughts using our App.