Risk hot classes, move the start of school

Italy faces a growing crisis over the safety of school buildings amid rising temperatures, with educators and unions warning that starting classes as early as next week could expose students and staff to dangerous heat conditions. The Italian General Confederation of Labor (Cgil), through its education union Flc Cgil, has called for delaying the start of the academic year unless schools meet health and safety standards outlined in decree 81. The current schedule, which plans for classes to resume nationwide from September 3 up to September 17, is under scrutiny due to extreme weather forecasts. Gianna Fracassi, head of Flc Cgil, emphasized that three months had passed since the government announced plans to improve school infrastructure, yet little progress had been made. In some regions, she noted, classrooms were already deemed uninhabitable for five to six hours of daily instruction with groups of 20 to 30 people. “There are reasons that apply to everyone, not just roadworks,” she added, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. Other teachers’ unions echoed similar concerns, urging increased investment in school facilities. They criticized empty promises and pointed out that funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Pnrr) could have been used to install air conditioning units in all schools. Meanwhile, Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara announced a contribution of 20 million euros to help schools purchase cooling equipment and other devices. He also mentioned that the ministry was working on a broader plan aimed at improving energy efficiency in educational institutions. Valditara urged local authorities, cities, provinces, and metropolitan areas, to contribute their share to necessary improvements in schools. However, these entities expressed frustration over limited financial resources available to them. Mario Rusconi, president of the Anp association representing principals in Rome, stressed that new legislation would require substantial state funding to equip schools with proper heating and cooling systems. Not all voices support postponing the start of the school year. Carlo Vito Castellana, coordinator of the Gilda teachers’ union, argued against delaying lessons due to the heat, calling such a move another injustice that undermines students’ right to education. Conversely, Anef, another teachers’ union, advocated for reopening schools in October rather than moving them forward to August. Marcello Pacifico, Anef’s president, criticized the idea of sending students and staff into classrooms at 40 degrees Celsius, stating it would not benefit the education system. Criticism of Valditara came from environmental activist group Avs, represented by deputy Elisabetta Piccolotti. She accused the government of neglecting both renewable energy investments and the need to make schools livable spaces. “Is it possible that this government, composed of climate indifferent individuals, doesn’t care about making schools safe?” she asked, adding that the minister should focus on serious issues instead of identity-based announcements. The debate underscores deep divisions among stakeholders regarding how best to address the immediate challenge of extreme heat while ensuring the continuity of education. As the summer approaches, pressure mounts on policymakers to find solutions that balance public health concerns with the practicalities of running a national education system.