Heatwave prompts courts to postpone the start of classes in Rio Grande do Sul.

Brazil Agency - The high temperatures recorded in Rio Grande do Sul resulted in the suspension of the start of classes in the state network by the state Justice, responding to a request from the Center of Teachers of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Cpers). The initial forecast was that the school year would start this Monday (10). If the decision is not reviewed, the expectation is that classes will start on February 17.

Given the situation, the state government has already appealed the preliminary injunction through the Attorney General's Office. The case is now awaiting a court decision to determine the exact date for the start of classes.

Following the ruling of the Court of Justice, the state government announced that classes were suspended this Monday in the 2.320 schools of the state network, but that, considering that there is a possibility of the decision being reversed, it will provide updated information on the start date of the school year.

Rationale

In justifying the request to postpone the start of classes, Cpers cites the warning issued by MetSul Meteorologia about the "high risk of extreme heat, with forecasts of exceptionally high and rarely recorded temperatures," and that for this reason the postponement of classes "aims at the well-being and safety of the entire school community."

"Resuming classes amidst an extreme weather event, with temperatures that could exceed 40°C and a heat index of 50°C in several regions of the state, in addition to classrooms and other school environments lacking the necessary infrastructure to cope with such a situation, puts the lives of teachers, staff, and students at risk," said Cpers in a statement.

The organization described as "shameful" the recommendation presented by Governor Eduardo Leite, suggesting to the school community "stay hydrated, wear light clothing, use sunscreen, and be attentive to possible situations of discomfort."

Heat

MetSul's alert indicates that the start of the most critical heat period coincides with the day classes resume. The expectation is that, in some locations, the heat will reach 43ºC. "Tuesday (11) could be the worst heat day of this extreme episode," warns Cpers.

In order to avoid the suspension of the start of classes, the government of Rio Grande do Sul contacted the state attorney's office to appeal the preliminary injunction. In a statement, it says that the 2.320 schools in the state network serve 700 students, and that 42% of the students are in a situation of social vulnerability, "with the school being a welcoming and safe space where parents trust in their children's learning while they work."

According to the Secretary of Education, Raquel Teixeira, the infrastructure conditions of schools, and even the temperature, vary from region to region, and therefore, the most appropriate course of action would be for the regional coordinating bodies to monitor and evaluate whether or not to postpone classes on a case-by-case basis.