Ahwatukee, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School in Ahwatukee is closed due to ongoing roof repairs and hazardous air quality conditions. Initially closed on August 4, the school will remain shut through at least fall break, with students relocated to alternative campuses. Air quality tests showed levels 28 times higher than acceptable limits, prompting further testing. The district is expediting repairs and will provide regular updates to the community as they work towards a resolution to restore safety for students.
Ahwatukee
Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School in Ahwatukee will remain closed through at least fall break due to ongoing roof repairs and hazardous air quality conditions. School officials announced this extension of the closure this week, which initially began on August 4.
The closure is a direct result of roof work that was paused for air quality testing. This testing revealed that air quality levels were 28 times higher than the acceptable threshold set by the U.S. Green Building Council. In light of these findings, students affected by the closure have been relocated to alternative campuses, specifically the Cerritos/Altadeña campus or Kyrene de la Esperanza.
School officials have indicated that the Sierra community should be prepared to remain at these alternative campuses through winter break unless the roof repairs can be completed sooner. Further air quality testing will be conducted once roof work is restarted and subsequently completed, ensuring that the conditions are safe for students.
During a recent Kyrene District Governing Board meeting, concerns regarding air quality were discussed. Many parents expressed their frustration over the district’s communication regarding the evolving situation. The first complaint regarding a bad smell at the school was raised on July 21. The district maintained they were unaware of the issue until a formal report from a parent was made several days later. However, parents disputed this timeline, expressing concerns about their children’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Preliminary air quality tests have shown elevated levels of particulate matter, and further tests to identify specific chemicals are expected soon. The district had initially planned for students to engage in a week of online learning before relocating to alternative schools on August 11.
As the roof repairs involve processes that include asphalt and off-gassing, students are advised to prepare for this transition. The district is expediting the construction work, aiming for completion by October. To keep the community informed, they have committed to providing regular updates about the roof replacement and its impact on school operations via their website.
Background Context
The issues surrounding Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School have raised significant concern among parents and the community. The air quality issues seem to stem from ongoing construction work that has, at various points, led to hazardous conditions on campus. With student safety as the priority, the district is taking a proactive approach to ensure that once the repairs are complete, air quality is tested again to confirm it meets safety standards.
The community is now left anxiously awaiting updates as the district works toward resolving the situation. Proper communication and transparency have become critical components in addressing parents’ and the community’s concerns. All involved are hopeful for a swift resolution to restore a safe learning environment for the children of Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School.
FAQ
- Why is Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School closed?
- The school is closed due to ongoing roof repairs and hazardous air quality conditions that were found to be significantly high during testing.
- How long will the closure last?
- The closure is expected to last through at least fall break, with the possibility of students remaining at alternative campuses through winter break if repairs are not completed sooner.
- What are the alternative campuses for students?
- Students have been relocated to the Cerritos/Altadeña campus and Kyrene de la Esperanza.
- What air quality concerns have been reported?
- Testing revealed that air quality levels were 28 times higher than the acceptable threshold, with preliminary results indicating elevated levels of particulate matter.
- How is the district keeping families informed?
- The district has committed to providing regular updates on the roof replacement and its impacts on school operations through their website.
Key Features of the Closure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Reason | Hazardous air quality and roof repairs |
| Initial Closure Date | August 4 |
| Expected Duration | Through at least fall break |
| Relocated Campuses | Cerritos/Altadeña; Kyrene de la Esperanza |
| Air Quality Issues | Levels 28 times higher than accepted standards |
| Testing Updates | Further testing planned post-repair |
| Community Communication | Regular updates on the district website |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
AISD Announces Campus Closures and Consolidations
Philadelphia Public Schools Unveil Inclusive Academic Calendar
Changes to School Year Start in Preston County
Woestina Elementary School Reopens with New Pre-K Program
Horizon Science Academy High School Cancels Classes Due to Air Conditioning Issues
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Construction Worker in Greenwich
Construction Worker Killed in Retaining Wall Collapse
Omaha Mayor Addresses Safety Concerns at Elkhorn Schools
Evanston District 65 Considers Potential School Closures
Safety Concerns Arise as Elkhorn District Opens New Schools
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 PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia 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 Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
