Hotter than normal temperatures this week are forcing Peoria Public Schools to operate on a shortened heat schedule. Temperatures Tues. and Wed. are expected to reach 90 degrees.
With a humidity of 99 percent, the heat index will likely top 100 degrees.
PPS spokesman Chris Copelan told parents and families in a voicemail that schools that usually start at 7:30am will dismiss at 1pm. Schools that begin at 8:30am will dismiss at 2pm.
Copelan says the district should return to its normal class schedule on Thurs.
In addition to a shortened school day, most after-school programs, except for child care, are canceled. High school athletic teams are able to continue with "light" practices until 6 p.m., regular practices thereafter, Copelan said.
More than a dozen schools in Peoria District 150 have had partial or no air conditioning for years. Last year, the board's cost estimate to replace the systems would cost about $40 million.
"Students in non air-conditioned schools will continue to have regular access to water coolers throughout the shortened school day," Copelan said.
Temperatures for this time in Peoria on average hover around 80 degrees. The record high for September 6th was set in 1899. It was 101 degrees.