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Baltimore County Votes in Favor of Abolishing Heat Closure Policy

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- The Baltimore County School Board voted in favor of getting rid of the heat closure policy passed last August.

The initial rule had forced 37 schools without air conditioning to close if the heat index rose above 90 degrees. But then it was changed, the heat index had to reach 90 degrees by 11 a.m.

RELATED: Baltimore Co. Board of Ed. Changes Air Conditioning Policy

It forced dozens of schools to close four times during the first two weeks of the school year.

WJZ spoke to one parent who says the decision to do away with the heat policy is disappointing.

"I'm concerned," parent Dayana Bergman said. "That policy gave us kind of guidance of what would happen. I hope they do the right thing and make the right call."

According to our media partner the Baltimore Sun, school system staff analyzed the policy and determined it "may have a negative impact on end-of-year school activities."

When schools are closed, after school activities are also canceled.

WJZ tried to get comment from those who voted in favor of getting rid of the heat policy, but did not get a response.

The Baltimore Sun also reports the schools' superintendent does have the authority to close, delay or dismiss schools for excessive heat. The board waived public comment on the issue.

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