Raymond Cree Middle School dismisses students early due to air conditioning issue

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — School ended abruptly for students at Raymond Cree Middle School Monday morning, with students allowed to leave early after a water main break over the weekend affected the campus air conditioning system, according to a message sent to parents by the Palm Springs Unified School District.

School officials said the water main break impacted the school’s air conditioning system and that it was taking longer than expected to fully cool the campus buildings.

The district says for the health and safety of students and staff, parents were encouraged to begin picking up their children at 11:15 a.m. Parents picking up their children are required to sign them out.

PSUSD says students who ride the bus, along with students who are not picked up or released to walk home, will remain on campus in designated cool areas for the remainder of the school day. Those students will be transported home at their regularly scheduled time.

The school’s Think Together program will also operate in cool areas of the campus.

In a message to families, Raymond Cree Middle School Principal Bernie Marez said the health and safety of students and staff remained the school’s highest priority.

School officials said they expect classes to resume Tuesday, although families will be notified if there are any changes.

The early dismissal comes as schools across the Coachella Valley contend with high temperatures, making functioning air conditioning particularly important for maintaining safe learning environments.

Parents are encouraged to monitor messages from Raymond Cree Middle School and the Palm Springs Unified School District for additional updates.