Letter to the editor: No air conditioning in Greensburg Salem schools

It’s that time of year again, back to school, and I am again writing that I am terribly upset that Greensburg Salem schools are opening this year, again, with no air conditioning in mostly all schools, except for one elementary school. Why is that?

I believe this is a tragedy. How can students learn and teachers teach in an extremely hot school with temperatures in the 90s-plus with no AC? No money? How much money did the football program get for its new field surfaces? Or other sport programs? Sports before learning in uncomfortable and unhealthy classrooms is the norm for Greensburg Salem.

I understand teachers are not allowed to purchase their own window ACs and put them into their classrooms; however, the principals all have air-conditioned offices. I have also been told that on extremely hot days, students are told to go home, and staff must stay. I understand that some teachers are bringing extra clothing to their job so as to change into another dry outfit. This is a travesty.

If money is so tight, why can’t schools have programs that receive contributions or do fundraising to make money for ACs in all classrooms? Is it the cost of electricity that makes Greensburg Salem ban window ACs?

Come on, Greensburg Salem schools! Get on board this year, and do the right thing and make classrooms healthier . Ever think that maybe your test scores will go up higher than ever, and less employees and students will be absent? I guess the principals will be at work. They get to work in cool, healthy, comfortable offices. How sad. Shame on Greensburg Salem schools.

Joanne Stearns

South Greensburg