Ahwatukee, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School in Ahwatukee will remain closed through fall break due to ongoing roof work and hazardous air quality. School officials found dangerous substance levels, which have delayed repairs. Students are temporarily relocated to other campuses, with updates on air quality and repair efforts provided regularly by the district. Parents express concern over communication regarding safety, as air tests continue and discussions regarding the situation unfold.
A Ahwatukee – Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School will remain closed through at least fall break due to ongoing roof work and hazardous air quality conditions. School officials announced the extension of the closure this week, emphasizing safety as their top priority.
The roof repairs, initially paused for air quality testing, revealed levels of hazardous substances 28 times higher than the acceptable threshold set by the U.S. Green Building Council. This alarming finding prompted the decision to keep the school closed as officials work to address the issue.
Students impacted by the closure have been relocated to alternative campuses including the Cerritos/Altadeña campus and Kyrene de la Esperanza. School officials have indicated that families should prepare for students to continue at these alternative locations through winter break, unless the roof repairs can be completed sooner. Continuous air quality testing will be conducted once the roof work resumes and when repairs are finalized.
Recent discussions at a Kyrene District Governing Board meeting highlighted ongoing air quality concerns, with parents voicing frustration regarding the district’s communication about the situation. The first complaints regarding a bad smell at Kyrene de la Sierra were reported on July 21. However, the district has stated they were unaware of the issue until a formal report was made by a parent a few days later, which has drawn skepticism from some parents who consider this to be negligent oversight. They have raised their concerns about exposing their children to potentially harmful chemicals.
Initial air quality tests indicated elevated levels of particulate matter. Further results detailing specific chemicals found in the air are anticipated soon. The district began the closure starting August 4, with plans for students to engage in online learning for a week before the relocation to alternative schools on August 11. As work continues on the roof, students and their families are encouraged to remain prepared for the transition while efforts to expedite repairs are made, including work that involves asphalt and off-gassing expected to be concluded by October.
The district has committed to providing regular updates on the roof replacement efforts and how these repairs will affect school operations through its website. As the situation unfolds, officials reaffirm their commitment to prioritizing safety while minimizing disruptions to students’ education.
Key Context on Closure
The closure of Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School is a response to serious air quality concerns caused by ongoing roof repairs. The emphasis on a thorough assessment of the air quality is a critical step in safeguarding students’ health, given the preliminary findings which indicated significantly elevated hazardous levels. This situation has sparked considerable dialogue among parents and the school district regarding communication and safety protocols.
Overview of Key Dates and Actions Taken
- July 21: First complaints about bad smell reported at Kyrene de la Sierra.
- August 4: School closure initiated.
- August 11: Students relocated to alternative campuses after a week of online learning.
- October: Completion of roof and associated repairs anticipated.
FAQ
What caused the extended closure of Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School?
The closure is due to hazardous air quality conditions and ongoing roof work that has revealed pollutants exceeding safe levels.
How long will the school remain closed?
The school will remain closed through at least fall break, with possible extension until winter break if necessary.
Where will students go during the closure?
Students have been relocated to the Cerritos/Altadeña campus or Kyrene de la Esperanza.
What measures are being taken regarding air quality?
Follow-up air quality tests are planned after the roof repairs, and the district is committed to regular updates on the situation.
What are the parents expressing in relation to this situation?
Parents have expressed frustration over the district’s communication and concerns about the timeline and safety regarding their children’s exposure to hazardous conditions.
Overview of Key Features
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| July 21 | Complaints | First complaints regarding bad smell reported. |
| August 4 | Closure Initiated | Kyrene de la Sierra School closed for air quality issues. |
| August 11 | Student Relocation | Students moved to alternative campuses. |
| October | Expected Repairs Completion | Roof and other related repairs anticipated to be completed. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- ABC15
- Wikipedia: Air Quality
- AZ Family
- Google Search: Kyrene de la Sierra Closure
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Google Scholar: Air Quality in Schools
- AZ Central
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Construction
- Ahwatukee News
- Google News: Kyrene de la Sierra
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
