News Summary
In response to forecasted extreme weather conditions, Denver Public Schools has canceled classes for 13 schools to ensure student safety. With temperatures predicted to soar near 99 degrees, early dismissals have been arranged for select schools. Though most facilities shut down, some will provide lunch before releasing students. Complaints about insufficient air conditioning have prompted DPS to undertake improvements. In the face of growing concerns regarding classroom conditions, the administration is working towards equipping all schools with air conditioning by 2028.
Denver Schools Cancel Classes Due to Record High Temperatures
Denver Public Schools (DPS) announced the cancellation of classes at 13 schools on August 21, 2025, in response to an extreme heat forecast. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures could reach nearly 99 degrees in the Denver area on that day, leading to concerns for student safety and comfort.
The affected schools include Skinner Middle School, Johnson Elementary, and Bryant Webster ECE-8. While the majority of schools will be closed, Johnson Elementary plans to dismiss students early at 12:30 PM, and Bryant Webster will release students at 12:20 PM. Both schools will provide lunch to students prior to their early dismissal.
Bus services for the schools dismissing early will operate on their normal routes according to the adjusted dismissal times. DPS understands that unexpected changes in school schedules can create challenges for families. To mitigate this, the district has committed to sending notifications directly to families by 5 PM the evening before any heat-related closure or early dismissal.
Impact on Programming
Additional programming, specifically Little Links and Discovery Link services, will also be canceled at the schools that are closed on this date. This decision is part of a broader response to the increased temperatures affecting summer activities and school environments.
Improvements and Ongoing Challenges
DPS has been working to enhance air conditioning capabilities in their schools, responding to previous complaints about heat. In the previous year, a nearly $1 billion bond was passed, which allocated $240 million specifically for school air conditioning improvements. However, as of now, 27 schools still require air conditioning installations, despite ongoing efforts to complete this work.
Notably, Doull Elementary and Ellis Elementary have successfully completed their air conditioning installations before the start of the school year. DPS has set an ambitious goal to equip all schools with air conditioning by the year 2028. However, delays have been faced, particularly at Skinner Middle School, where asbestos found in the building is hindering the air conditioning installation project, with completion now pushed to 2026.
Community Response
With the onset of extreme heat, many parents have voiced their frustrations regarding the conditions within the classrooms and the slow progress of air conditioning projects. Families are concerned about the health and comfort of their children in overheated learning environments.
Broader School District Actions
In addition to DPS’s closures, the Poudre School District is also taking action in light of the extreme temperatures by releasing the majority of its schools early on the same day. These decisions reflect a growing concern among school districts regarding the impact of extreme weather on student activities and learning environments.
As school districts navigate the challenges posed by increased temperatures, planning for future infrastructural improvements remains crucial. The situation highlights the necessity for timely renovations and upgrades to ensure that schools can provide safe and comfortable spaces for students in various weather conditions, particularly as climate patterns continue to evolve.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Multiple Denver schools cancel classes early release due to extreme heat
- Wikipedia: Denver Public Schools
- Denver Post: Denver schools closed due to heat
- Google Search: Denver heat wave 2025
- KDVR: Extreme heat cancels classes in Denver Public Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Extreme Weather
- 9News: Extreme heat forces classroom closures in Denver
- Google News: Denver schools closure August 2025
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
