EBBD - Temperature Standards for Schools and Vehicles
Book: E
Section: Support Services
Title: Temperature Standards for Schools and Vehicles
Code: EBBD
Status: Active
Adopted: June 9, 2026
TEMPERATURE STANDARDS FOR
SCHOOLS AND VEHICLES
I. Purpose
The Portland Board of Public Education is committed to keeping all school buildings at temperatures that provide a comfortable, safe, and healthy learning and working environment for all students, staff, and visitors. Accordingly, this Policy establishes standards for a minimum temperature and maximum temperature for all school buildings in the school unit.
II. Standards
- Classrooms, indoor spaces, and vehicles occupied by students and staff shall be maintained in accordance with the following temperature standards:
● Minimum Temperature: Temperatures shall be maintained at or above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
o If the temperature of an occupied space falls below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, school personnel will begin taking measures to increase the temperature as provided for in the procedures developed by the Superintendent.
● Maximum Temperature: Temperatures shall be maintained at or below 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
o If the temperature of an occupied space rises above 82 degrees Fahrenheit, school personnel will begin taking measures to decrease the temperature as provided for in the procedures developed by the Superintendent.
- Temperature standards for outdoor activities, including recess, shall be as follows:
● Minimum Temperature: Students will not be brought outside for activities or recess when the temperature falls below a “feels-like” temperature (includes wind chill) of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. At all times, staff members will ensure that students are appropriately dressed for outdoor weather and, when needed, may shorten outdoor activities to reduce the time during which students are exposed to cold.
● Maximum Temperature: Students will not be brought outside for activities or recess when the “feels-like” temperature (includes heat index, reflecting heat plus humidity) exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit. At all times, staff members will monitor student health and safety during outdoor activities and watch for signs of temperature-related illnesses. Staff may also shorten outdoor activities to reduce the time during which students are exposed to heat.
III. Implementation and Limitations
The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for the overall implementation and oversight of this Policy and shall develop procedures to be utilized when temperatures fall or rise outside of the standards provided for in this Policy.
Extreme weather, aging equipment, system failures, and/or special events may temporarily suspend adherence to the standards provided for in this Policy. If, despite best efforts, indoor temperatures reach unsafe or hazardous levels, the Superintendent will implement procedures governing school closings and cancellations, as needed.
Legal References:
20-A M.R.S. § 1001(23).
SBOE/MDOE Joint Rule Chapter 05-071, ch. 125.