Earlier this week we received a letter from our school stating that the entire school district would be using energy efficient management techniques of some sort and that the thermostats on the inside of all school buildings would be set at 55 degrees.
Now, I have to admit, my first thought was that this was surely a typo. I mean, had they sent a note home saying they would be setting the thermostats at 65, I would have raised my eyebrows and purchased my son a couple of extra sweatshirts.
But, as it is, the dress code reads that all outerwear is to be removed upon entering the building. But, this note read that all students should come dressed for 55 degree temps inside and bring appropriate outerwear.
Now, let’s just say that I may or may not have freaked out. But, here’s where I want you to see and understand that I don’t complain for the sake of complaining. I don’t just sit around thinking up ways to a thorn in someone’s side. The fact is, 55 degree’s is freaking cold.
My mother admonished me and told me to quit complaining about everything that went on at school. I shook my head, remembering those days I was bullied in elementary school and the only thing she could ever say was “well what did you do to them?”. I would not stay silent.
Now, again, my creditability reigns queen here in that I knew this was not his teacher’s decisions, nor that of his administrator. I am smarter than that. I worked here remember, I know how it all plays out. But, while others were plotting their phone calls to the Board of Education the next morning, I took action that night. I used my Facebook friend status with the board member that represents out school and asked about it. He indicated then that he would make some calls the next morning and see what he could find out. He emailed me back about an hour later to say that he had already made the phone calls and the situation would be corrected the next day.
And, the next day comes and the phones are ringing, my email is slamming and I too would just like to know what was going on. Apparently someone that was hired to help the board budget expenses in the area of electrical bills suggested that the optimal temp for each school was 55 inside for the Board to save money. My optimal thought was to fire the idiot and use his salary to pay the electric bill and at least set the thing on 65 or 68.
That last part, that’s not facts that I know, that’s just what I was told from other parents. All I know is that I notified my local TV Station which by the way isn’t very local (about 90 miles) and asked that if something wasn’t done on this matter asap, I would like to see them intervene.
On Friday, we received a note stating that the temperature inside the buildings would be set at 72.
Ok, so back to where I’m trying to show everyone involved that I am not just a griping parent with nothing to do. I know the guidelines, I had to close my daycare if it got below 64 or 65 and they were asking to set it at 55? I knew it wasn’t my son’s teacher. I knew it wasn’t my son’s principal, I Knew where the decisions were being made and I went to that source.
I hope that by reading this, the teachers and administrators realize that if I come to them with a problem, I truly feel as if it is something they can handle. But, if I know that such is not the case, then absolutely, I know better than bug someone who has no control.
Now, tell me, would you be happy if your child’s school was setting the temp in the building at 55 and then requiring them to remove all outerwear upon entering the building?
Just curious?
