No relief as Boston classrooms overheat

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Several classrooms in Boston Public Schools, particularly in eight schools without air conditioning, have experienced dangerously high indoor temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, causing health and concentration issues for students. The district is actively working with school leaders to monitor and improve conditions, underscoring the urgent need for long-term cooling solutions as climate change worsens heat impacts on school infrastructure.

Several classrooms in Boston Public Schools have experienced extreme heat in recent days, with temperatures reportedly reaching an average of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, according to monitoring by air quality sensors installed during the pandemic. Parents and educators have expressed growing concern over the impact of the heat on students’ health and learning conditions.

Mather Elementary School in Dorchester, one of eight Boston schools without air conditioning, has been a focal point for complaints. Parents like Ashlyn Rizzo, whose 7-year-old attends the school, described the environment as unsafe, noting that the excessive heat leads to drowsiness and difficulty concentrating among students. Another parent, Pedro Salines, whose child is in third grade at Mather, emphasized the importance of air conditioning, particularly for younger children.

Despite recent relief in outside temperatures—dropping into the 70s on Monday—temperatures inside some classrooms remained elevated. Sensors recorded readings in the 90s across nine classrooms in six different schools, including Mozart Elementary, Mel King Preparatory High School, and Holland High School of Technology. Teachers in non-air-conditioned buildings reportedly have resorted to turning off lights and spraying students with water to alleviate discomfort.

Boston Public Schools officials acknowledged the ongoing challenges related to heat in classrooms without air conditioning. In a statement, spokesperson Samara Pinto said the district is collaborating closely with affected school leaders to monitor temperatures and address conditions. Pinto stressed the district’s commitment to ensuring the health, safety, and comfort of students and staff during periods of high heat.

The situation highlights broader concerns about the vulnerability of school infrastructure amid changing climate patterns. Rising temperatures increase the urgency for schools to adapt and implement cooling solutions to maintain safe learning environments. Boston Public Schools continues to evaluate long-term strategies to alleviate heat issues, but parents and staff remain concerned as the summer season presses on.