Air-Conditioned Classrooms

I have written to both representatives in Sacramento and to each member of the state Senate Appropriations Committee to let them know how important it is for our year-round schools to have air conditioning. Air conditioning is a necessity in Los Angeles, just as heating is in other parts of the country.

I know all too well how difficult things have been lately for teachers and students alike. On hot days, of which we have had many and can expect to have many more, my son comes home from kindergarten with his eyes red and his face drained. The teachers do their best under the circumstances, but it is difficult to teach when the lights have to be turned off in order to try to cool the rooms down. Children cannot learn when they are suffering from nosebleeds and other heat-related ailments. School officials have instituted minimum-day schedules on the hottest days, but this deprives the children of essential learning time.

Our children have no choice but to attend year-round school. They should not be penalized and made to suffer because others did not have the foresight to predict this problem. Our children need relief now, and Assembly Bill 1016 is their best hope. I urge all those who care to let their representatives in the Legislature and Gov. George Deukmejian know how they feel.

JOHN A. MAROT

No. Hollywood