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As mercury climbs, some District 150 schools without cooling systems

With the mercury rising and heat index nearing 100 degrees this week, some District 150 Schools are without air conditioning.

Superintendent Sharon Kherat says 11 of the district’s 26 schools have had partial or no air conditioning for years. She says it’s estimated that replacing the systems would cost the district $40 million.

“It’s all about the money and where will that come from," Kherat said. "We’ve begun having those discussions, so we’ll see what happens.”

The district is two meetings away from approving a final budget that aims to decrease a $13 million deficit. Roosevelt, Manual and Washington schools are completely without air conditioning.

Kherat says while the district is looking into solutions, no immediate plans or timelines are in place to install cooling units. District 150 is dismissing students early this week and providing bottled water to students in buildings without air conditioning.