BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Wayside Elementary on Ming Avenue closed early Friday due to the school's damaged cooling system.
According to a letter from school officials that was sent to parents Friday morning, there was a power outage in the area Thursday afternoon that caused the building's air conditioning to be impacted.
Parents were told to come pick up their kids from Wayside or they would be bused to Sequioa Middle School on Belle Terrace until a parent or guardian could come get them. Officials told 23ABC, the early dismissal was prior to the start of the school day, but many students were already on campus.
There is no estimated time on how long repairs will take.
Below is the letter that Wayside Elementary sent to parents Friday morning:
As you may already be aware, yesterday afternoon, there was a power outage in the area that affected our school site. Although PG&E crews have since restored power, the outage caused damage to the cooling system at our school. Due to the excessive heat expected today, school officials have made the decision that is in the best interest of the safety of our students to close the school for the day. As such, any child that is currently at the school site needs to be picked up by a parent/guardian as listed on the emergency contact card. Students who ride the bus will be transported to Sequoia Middle School, 900 Belle Terrace, as soon as possible. The students will be housed in the auditorium until they can be picked up by a parent/guardian listed on their emergency contact card. We apologize for the inconvenience. The safety of our students is always our top priority. We thank you for your patience and your continued partnership.
