Ahwatukee, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School in Ahwatukee will remain closed through at least the fall break due to ongoing roof repairs and hazardous air quality concerns. Air quality testing revealed harmful particulate levels far exceeding acceptable limits, prompting the closure and relocation of students to nearby campuses. School officials aim to prioritize student safety, with possible continued displacement until winter break. Parents express frustration over the communication regarding the situation as the district commits to transparency and regular updates on the progress of the repairs.
Ahwatukee – Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School has announced it will remain closed through at least the fall break due to ongoing roof repairs and hazardous air quality concerns. The extension of the closure was confirmed by school officials this week as they prioritize student safety amidst the renovations.
The roof work at Kyrene de la Sierra was initially paused for air quality testing, which revealed levels of harmful particulates 28 times higher than acceptable thresholds established by the U.S. Green Building Council. Parents and community members have raised concerns about the implications of such conditions for their children’s health.
In response to the closure, students from Kyrene de la Sierra have been temporarily relocated to nearby campuses, specifically Cerritos/Altadeña and Kyrene de la Esperanza. School officials have warned that the Sierra community should prepare for continued displacement through winter break, unless the roof repairs can be concluded sooner than anticipated. Follow-up air quality tests will be conducted once the roof work resumes.
During a recent meeting of the Kyrene District Governing Board, air quality concerns were further discussed. Parents expressed their frustration over the district’s communication regarding the timeline of events. They highlighted that the first complaint about a foul smell at the school surfaced on July 21. However, the district maintained they were unaware of any issues until formally informed by a parent days later, a statement many parents contested, calling it negligent and raising alarms about potential chemical exposure for their children.
Preliminary tests have indicated elevated levels of particulate matter, and results identifying the specific chemicals present are expected shortly. Following the closure initiated on August 4, the district planned for students to participate in a week of online learning prior to their transfer to alternative schools on August 11. Students are being advised to prepare for this transition as the district endeavors to expedite roof construction work involving asphalt and off-gassing with completion targeted for October.
The district has committed to maintaining transparency and will provide regular updates on the roof replacement process and how it impacts school operations through their official website.
Background Context
The issues at Kyrene de la Sierra have highlighted community sentiments regarding safety and communication from educational authorities. With the initial complaint surfacing in July and leading to increased scrutiny, the situation reflects ongoing challenges districts face when handling infrastructure concerns amidst health standards. The subsequent decision to relocate students demonstrates a precautionary approach, albeit it has not come without criticism from concerned parents and guardians.
FAQ Section
What is the current status of Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School?
Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School remains closed through at least fall break due to ongoing roof repairs and hazardous air quality conditions.
Why was the school closed?
The school was closed due to air quality testing that revealed dangerous levels of harmful particulates, necessitating further safety measures.
Where are the students being relocated?
Students from Kyrene de la Sierra are currently being relocated to Cerritos/Altadeña and Kyrene de la Esperanza campuses.
When will Kyrene de la Sierra reopen?
While the exact reopening date is uncertain, school officials have indicated that the Sierra community should be prepared for the possibility of being at alternative campuses until winter break.
How will parents be informed about updates related to the situation?
The district is committed to providing regular updates regarding the roof replacement progress and its impact on school operations through their official website.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| School Name | Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School |
| Closure Duration | Through at least fall break |
| Reason for Closure | Hazardous air quality from roof repairs |
| Initial Testing Results | Particulate levels 28 times higher than acceptable limits |
| Temporary Campuses | Cerritos/Altadeña and Kyrene de la Esperanza |
| Community Preparedness | Possible extended closure through winter break |
| Next Steps | Follow-up air quality testing and updates |
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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
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