The Kennewick School District says it's a difficult but necessary decision.

Due to forecast temps anywhere from 111 to 117 through Thursday of next week, they have chosen to cancel summer school transportation...buses. Their statement read in part:

"BUS TRANSPORTATION 
The school buses do not have air conditioning and can reach very high temperatures inside when it is hot outside. When the temperature and the heat index are forecast to reach “high/very high to extreme risk levels” of 110 degrees or more, there will be no bus transportation provided for summer school.

Weather forecasts show temperatures reaching 117 degrees next week and therefore we have made the difficult decision to cancel all summer school busing for next week. Families will need to provide their own transportation to and from school. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. If you are unable to arrange for transportation for summer school, please let the school know that your child will be absent."

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It is believed this is the first time in District history this step has had to be taken. Additional YMCA information was released by the District as well:

"The YMCA will continue to provide Summer Day Camp. Those families enrolled in the YMCA Day Camp program and utilizing summer school transportation will be contacted directly by the YMCA with options. If you have questions, feel free to contact the YMCA at (509) 373-1908."

Also, there's been an ongoing 'discussion' between parents and citizens and various area Districts about students having to ride buses during the end of the year as the heat climbed, but still expected to wear masks while on board.

If the weather changes abruptly or cools, KSD says they will update parents on the transportation situations.

 

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