Extreme heat is not just a weather issue. It is an education issue, a public-health issue, and an environmental-justice issue.

A new study highlighted by KNPR finds that when classroom temperatures rise above 73°F, students complete cognitive tasks more slowly and less accurately. Heat can also contribute to absenteeism and make it harder for children to learn.

But the burden is not shared equally. Students in under-resourced communities are more likely to attend schools with aging buildings, limited shade, and inadequate cooling. Many also return home to housing without reliable air conditioning.

In Nevada, extreme heat is no longer an occasional disruption. Our schools need plans that protect students and staff: monitoring classroom and bus temperatures, creating safe protocols for recess and athletics, investing in cooling and shade, and communicating clearly with families.

Every child deserves a safe place to learn. A student’s ZIP code should not determine whether their classroom is healthy, cool, and ready for learning.

Read more from KNPR.