AC Delay Could Push Glen Rock Schools Virtual On Hot Days

GLEN ROCK, NJ — It may not be the coronavirus that pushes Glen Rock elementary schools virtual at the start of the new school year, but rather the weather.

On Thursday, Superintendent Brett Charleston, in a letter to the district, said that newly installed ventilators feature an air conditioning component, but there will likely be a delay in activating it.

Due to the delay, the district's Restart Committee agreed unanimously to institute a set of recommendations which include virtual learning days during an "excessively hot day" or if the area is expected to go through a heat wave.

These recommendations, according to the district, will only impact elementary schools without functioning air-conditioning. Middle school and high school buildings will not be impacted.

The recommendations are as follows:

• "Decisions regarding a “heat day” will be made by the superintendent in conjunction with the school doctor.
• If there is a need to call a “heat day,” the decision will be made no later than 6:00 pm the night before to provide teachers and parents time to make appropriate plans for virtual learning.
• If a heat wave is expected, we will make a timely decision to go virtual for the duration of the heat wave so that parents and teachers can plan accordingly.
• We understand fully that parents and teachers need sufficient time to prepare for the switch to virtual instruction. We will do our best to give as much advance notice as possible.
• As each elementary school comes online with air-conditioning, any “heat day” decisions would not be applicable and said school would be open for in person instruction."

All 100 new ventilators are installed throughout the district, and feature a Merv 8 filter, what the district says is standard for unit ventilators in schools.

Though delays are likely, Charleston said it's likely some classrooms, and even some whole schools, will have operating air-conditioning by Sept. 11.

Pre-existing air-conditioning units in the elementary schools are currently operational, and thus an option, said Charleston.

The new ventilators must also be tested prior to the start of school to ensure they are bringing in 20 percent of fresh air, according to the district.

Hamilton Elementary has already been tested, the district said, with the remaining schools scheduled to have tests completed by Sept. 2.

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