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Parents Express Mixed Reactions After Camden's Decision To Close Schools Due To Heat

By Anita Oh

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- Two days into a new school year and it's hot.

That's why the Camden City School District announced a 1:00 p.m. early dismissal for all public schools on Thursday.

WEATHER

"Some of our buildings are over 100-years-old and we have to make sure students are safe. Students with asthma and other conditions, we have to have in mind," said Brendan Lowe, a spokesman for the district.

Although they had to adjust their schedules, many parents and guardians we spoke to agreed with the decision. "When it comes down to the weather, you have to let them out. It's too hot," said Donniah Henry. She added that her son's school has no air conditioning.

"I think it was a good decision in case of a power outage, or something where the kids are stuck with no air," said Reba Hohney.

While it felt like summer again for some students at Dudley Elementary School, some parents told us newer schools, with efficient air conditioning, should have let out as scheduled. "I don't have time to take off from work for half a day for nothing," said Nekia Diggs. "This is ridiculous."

School district officials say inside some older buildings, temperatures clocked in the 80's. "We ran certain systems overnight to try and cool the temperatures overnight and we checked to see if it worked. We found early this morning, it did not," Lowe said.

Camden also announced that they will be closing early on Friday as well.

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