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.

“This morning they were already here very early, refilling the chillers in the air conditioning system, getting them up and running," Johnson said. "It turned out only one pump was working. So by 8 a.m., the district knew there was an issue."

Johnson explained how full classrooms strained the limited cooling capacity.

“So as you add 30 bodies to a classroom, it gets hotter. And then the air conditioners have to work harder,” Johnson said,

Students experienced shifting class environments throughout the morning. Noah, a seventh grade student at the school, recalled how staff managed the heat.

“All I gotta say it's really hot, though," Noah said. "The (gymnasium) was the only place that had AC."

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.

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.

The district confirmed school will be back in session for its normal hours Tuesday, September 1. Parents are encouraged to monitor messages from Raymond Cree Middle School and the Palm Springs Unified School District for any additional updates.