Facing record late‑summer heat, the Diagonal Community School District announced that students will be dismissed early each day this week. Superintendent Larry McNutt explained that the district’s aging facilities, many built in the early 20th century, simply cannot be cooled with conventional air‑conditioning systems.
Old buildings, limited options
“I’ll walk the buildings and just see how hot it is,” McNutt said. “Our high school building was built in 1914, so we do not have air conditioning.” The superintendent noted that the district once explored installing window units, but electricians warned that the outdated wiring could not handle the added load and might overload the system.
Because retrofitting the historic structures is not feasible at this time, staff are relying on high‑speed fans running at full blast to make classrooms bearable for both students and teachers. “We make do with what we have,” McNutt added.
Adjusted calendar to protect instructional time
The district serves roughly 115 students. To compensate for the lost instructional minutes during the hottest weeks, administrators have built extra days into the school calendar. “We just know come this time of year we’re going to get out early a few times,” McNutt said, emphasizing that the early dismissals are a planned, recurring response to seasonal heat.
No final decision has been made regarding next week’s schedule, but district officials remain hopeful that cooler weather will allow a return to normal hours.
Community response
Parents expressed relief that the district is taking steps to protect children from heat‑related discomfort and potential health risks. Many families appreciate the proactive approach, noting that the early release gives them flexibility to arrange after‑school care or keep children at home during the hottest part of the day.
Local leaders highlighted the broader issue of aging school infrastructure across Iowa, calling for increased state support to modernize facilities. While the Diagonal district’s immediate solution is temporary, the conversation about long‑term upgrades continues.
Looking ahead
Superintendent McNutt said the district will continue to monitor temperatures and adjust schedules as needed. He also reiterated the district’s commitment to exploring sustainable, cost‑effective ways to improve classroom comfort without compromising the historic character of the school buildings.
For now, families are encouraged to stay hydrated, dress in light clothing, and take advantage of the early dismissal to avoid the peak heat of the afternoon.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
