Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Philadelphia Will Dismiss 52 Schools Early Thursday Over Dangerous Heat

District leaders say extreme heat combined with failing cooling systems creates safety risks that require new recurring funding for full repairs.

Overview

  • The School District of Philadelphia announced Wednesday that 52 schools will follow an early dismissal schedule on Thursday, June 11, and that all in-person after-school activities at those sites are canceled.
  • Officials cited a heat advisory for the Delaware Valley and forecasts of mid-90s temperatures with humidity making it feel close to 100 degrees as the immediate reason for the early dismissals.
  • Deputy Superintendent of Operations Oz Hill said the district’s top priority is safety and that a number of buildings still lack adequate air conditioning despite ongoing upgrade efforts.
  • The district directed families to phila.gov for meal and resource locations and to call 1-833-PHL-HOPE for free counseling and emotional support, and individual schools will share dismissal times and pickup plans.
  • This action continues a pattern of late-May and early-June heat-related remote or shortened school days and highlights district and union warnings that lasting fixes need capital work and new, recurring revenue.