News Summary
Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School will remain closed until after fall break due to concerns about indoor air quality. Several air quality tests have indicated elevated particulate levels, prompting the district to transition to remote learning. Non-preschool students will be relocated to other schools, and live online learning sessions will begin shortly. The school district aims to ensure student safety and maintain communication with families during this period of disruption.
Ahwatukee, Phoenix – Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School will remain closed through fall break due to concerns regarding indoor air quality, following several air quality tests indicating elevated particulate levels. The closure, announced on August 3, 2025, prioritizes the health and safety of students and staff, prompting the district to switch to remote learning beginning August 4, which will continue until August 8, 2025.
The decision to close the school comes as the air quality test results are anticipated to take 5 to 7 days to process. As a precautionary measure, students will not return to campus until after the fall break that lasts from September 29 to October 10, 2025. This proactive step aligns with the district’s commitment to ensuring a safe learning environment amid ongoing construction on the school’s roof, which has prompted complaints about unpleasant odors noted by both students and staff.
In light of the closure, the Kyrene district will relocate all non-preschool students to the shared campus of Kyrene de los Cerritos Leadership Academy and Kyrene Altadeña Middle School starting August 11, 2025. Preschool students will be moved to Kyrene de la Esperanza Elementary School. During the remote learning period, students will receive assignments for independent work, and those unable to participate virtually will not be marked absent.
Live online learning sessions are scheduled to commence on August 7 and will continue into August 8, aiming to provide continuity in education during the disruption. The school district is actively communicating with families regarding transportation details, relocation logistics, and available Kids Club services to support students and parents throughout the week.
Concerns regarding air quality are further underscored by health experts who have indicated that airborne particles can lead to severe health complications, such as asthma episodes and cardiovascular diseases. In response to these risks, the district is implementing several mitigation strategies, including sealing air intakes, replacing air filters, and installing air scrubbers around the campus.
The Kyrene Emergency Management Team has been transparent about the situation, assuring parents that although the construction project’s materials are safe, the identified air quality concerns have warranted precautionary action. Further discussions regarding the roof repairs and school closure will take place at the Kyrene Governing Board meeting scheduled for August 5, 2025. The district plans to keep families updated as new information becomes available, including the final results of air quality tests.
This disruption has drawn comparisons to the virtual learning initiatives implemented during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns for parents about managing their children’s educational needs during this unexpected transition. The Kyrene district is working diligently to minimize the impact of this emergency decision while maintaining a strong focus on the well-being and safety of students and staff.
As the community continues to navigate these challenges, the district remains committed to communication and support, ensuring families are informed and equipped to help their children succeed during the temporary changes to their learning environment.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Wikipedia: Air Quality
- AZ Family
- Google Search: Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School
- ABC 15 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health
- Ahwatukee Foothills News
- Google News: Kyrene Elementary School
