News Summary
Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School remains closed due to hazardous air quality and ongoing roof repairs. The school district has relocated students and is prioritizing safety as air quality testing continues. Parents have expressed concerns about communication regarding the situation, particularly the timeline of issues raised. The district aims to complete repairs by October and is committed to providing regular updates.
Ahwatukee
Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School will remain closed through at least the upcoming fall break due to ongoing roof repairs and hazardous air quality conditions, according to school officials. The closure, initially announced earlier this week, extends from its previous date, affecting the education of local students.
The district paused roof work on August 4 for air quality testing, which revealed that the levels of particulate matter were 28 times higher than the acceptable threshold set by the U.S. Green Building Council. These findings prompted the school district to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students and staff.
As a result of the closure, students from Kyrene de la Sierra have been relocated to the Cerritos/Altadeña campus or Kyrene de la Esperanza. Parents and school officials have been advised to prepare for the potential of remaining at these alternative campuses through the winter break unless the roof repairs can be completed sooner.
Further air quality testing will take place once the roof work resumes. School authorities have made it clear that they prioritize the safety of all individuals on campus and aim to avoid any further disruptions to the academic schedule.
During a recent Kyrene District Governing Board meeting, concerns over air quality and communication regarding the situation were raised. Parents expressed frustration over the district’s handling of the situation, specifically regarding timeliness and transparency in sharing information. The first complaint regarding unpleasant odors at the school was noted on July 21; however, district officials maintained that they were unaware of the concern until a formal complaint was submitted later. This timeline has been disputed by parents, leading to concerns about the potential exposure of children to harmful chemicals.
Preliminary tests conducted showed elevated levels of particulate matter, and additional results are expected shortly to identify specific chemicals involved. The school district prioritizes addressing these health and safety concerns as they work to expedite the ongoing roof construction. This work entails removing existing materials, such as asphalt, and managing any necessary off-gassing, with a goal to complete repairs by October.
Initially, the district planned for students to engage in a week of online learning before relocating to alternative schools on August 11. Parents were informed to prepare their children for the transition, emphasizing the temporary nature of the measures being implemented. School officials are committed to providing regular updates concerning the roof replacement and its impact on school operations through their website.
In closing, the ongoing situation at Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School remains a focal point of concern for parents and administrators alike, as they navigate the challenges presented by hazardous air quality and necessary facilities repairs. Communication and transparency will continue to be vital as the district works toward a resolution and aims to resume normal operations safely.
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Additional Resources
- ABC15
- Wikipedia: Air Quality
- AZ Family
- Google Search: Kyrene de la Sierra Closure
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Google Scholar: Air Quality in Schools
- AZ Central
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Construction
- Ahwatukee News
- Google News: Kyrene de la Sierra
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
