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Thompson School District Delays Start to Combat Heat

1/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Thompson School District in Colorado approved a two-year calendar delaying the start by about a week for 2026-27 and 2027-28.
The change addresses extreme heat, as only half of the district's schools are air-conditioned.
Most students will begin on August 20, with kindergarten, sixth, and ninth graders starting a day earlier.
The calendar ends before Memorial Day, according to Superintendent Bret Heller.

History

Historical Context

In 1930, the New York City Board of Education revised its school calendar to address heat-related issues, starting classes later in September due to inadequate cooling systems in many schools. This decision mirrored ongoing concerns about student comfort during extreme heat events, similar to recent adjustments made by the Thompson School District in Colorado, highlighting the long-term impact of climate on educational practices.

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Story summary

The Thompson School District in Colorado approved a two-year calendar delaying the start by about a week for 2026-27 and 2027-28.
The change addresses extreme heat, as only half of the district's schools are air-conditioned.
Most students will begin on August 20, with kindergarten, sixth, and ninth graders starting a day earlier.
The calendar ends before Memorial Day, according to Superintendent Bret Heller.

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