Record high temperatures, teachers and parents call for school to be postponed, IGC agrees

Record heat has prompted teachers and parents to call for delaying the start of the school year, with the Cgil union supporting the move. The request comes amid concerns over inadequate measures to combat extreme temperatures in classrooms, which have reached levels previously recorded in 2003. The summer of 2026 has been the hottest on record, according to data released by national meteorological services. With temperatures continuing to rise and a sixth wave of African heat expected to hit the country soon, some Sicilian mothers and a Campania-based teacher have launched petitions urging authorities to take action. These efforts aim to ensure safer learning environments and prevent health risks linked to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. In Sicily, a group of mothers has initiated a petition calling for the school year to begin later than its current planned date. They argue that children should not attend classes under conditions that pose a threat to their well-being. Their appeal, published by Palermo Today, emphasizes the need for air conditioning systems in schools and urges decision-makers to prioritize student safety. The mothers insist that the health and welfare of students must come before any other considerations. Meanwhile, a teacher from a Campania high school has also started a petition on Change.org, which has already gathered over two thousand signatures. She criticizes the scheduled return to school on September 15, noting that the weather remains dangerously hot and humid. The teacher highlights the lack of cooling systems in many classrooms, describing these conditions as unsuitable for effective teaching and learning. Her proposal includes postponing the start of the academic year until early October to allow for a more comfortable environment. The petitions have attracted widespread attention, with educators and students expressing alarm over the situation. Comments on the Change.org page describe the circumstances as unacceptable, unsustainable, and even liken them to conditions found in developing countries. This sentiment reflects growing frustration among those directly affected by the lack of infrastructure to handle extreme heat. The Confederation of Italian Workers' Unions (Cgil), through its education sector branch, the FLC Cgil, has joined the discussion. The union has called for a delay in the start of the school year in regions where high temperatures make classroom attendance unsafe. A spokesperson for the FLC Cgil told ANSA that if conditions fail to meet health and safety standards, lessons should not begin. The union's representative added that in certain areas, staying in crowded classrooms for extended periods during peak heat is unbearable. According to the 2026/2027 school calendar, classes are scheduled to resume on September 7 in institutions located in the province of Bolzano, followed by those in the province of Trento on September 10. However, the calls for a delayed start suggest that the traditional schedule may face challenges due to ongoing climate conditions. The debate continues as stakeholders push for urgent improvements in school facilities and policies to protect students and staff.