SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
It doesn't take long to succumb to blistering heat when you're outside. For those without air conditioning, inside can be equally as difficult.
So, what about students in the Sioux City? What does Sioux City Community Schools look at to determine whether or not students will get out early. And, why that decision isn't always easy.
Alison Benson works for the Sioux City Public School District, but she also has a child who goes to one of its schools.
"She tells me about the school day, so as a parent, I know what it's like in the classrooms but I just know to make sure she's dressed accordingly and that she has the water bottles to help," said Alison Benson, Communications Coordinator.
Benson says that keeping her daughter and all other students safe during the heat is essential.
That's why she, along with a few others, monitor classroom temperatures on days like Thursday.
"We have an online system internally where we can go and monitor all the classrooms for the elementary schools without air-conditioning," Benson said.
Indoor temperature tracking is just one thing used to determine whether or not kids will go home early. Outdoor temperature, wind speed, humidity, and temperature swings are also taken into account. All of these elements can make the final decision a bit tricky.
"There is not a magic number because such a variety of things play into the decision," said Benson.
But despite all the variables, Benson says the mission remains the same.
"Sometimes we make the right decision. Sometimes people think we make the wrong decision, but we do what's best for our children and we focus on student achievement and student safety," said Benson.
