Heat May Cause Half-Day School Schedules

With temperatures projected to be in the mid- to high-90s on Wednesday and Thursday, the Montville Township School District is considering converting to a half-day schedule while the high heat remains, according to superintendent Dr. Paul Fried.

Fried explained during Tuesday’s board of education meeting that he has been in conversation with other Morris County superintendents about the potential of high-heat schedule changes.

He said Wednesday will most likely remain a full day of classes. However, if the weather becomes unbearable throughout the day, the Montville Township School District might consider switching to a half day on Thursday and subsequently as the high temperatures continue.

“So I will be in close contact with our principals, and we will certainly monitor the situation as the days progress,” Fried said.

Fried said all of the districts within the county are simply on monitor alert right now, with the exception of Randolph’s school district, which he said is already planning a half-day schedule for Thursday.

Board member Jackie Ritschel said she was glad that consideration of the hot weather is being made.

“My daughter in the high school was saying that even the air conditioned rooms were warm today,” Ritschel said. “So I can only imagine what it’s going to be like tomorrow and the next day.”

Ritschel also mentioned that the high temperatures could end up being brutal for the elementary schools that lack air conditioning.

Fried mentioned that the heat could prove difficult for schools with multiple levels, especially on the higher floors.

“But most of our schools are one-level buildings, so I think we’re a little better off,” he said.