Austrian schools are struggling with extreme temperatures, yet the Ministry of Education and regional directorates lack the legal authority to close schools specifically due to heatwaves. This legislative gap persists because the current School Time Act does not include provisions for “heat-free” days, according to existing regulations.
Why is there no legal authority for heat-related closures?
The Schulzeitgesetz, or School Time Act, was established before the prevalence of intense June heatwaves and does not mention heat-free status. Currently, authorities can only declare school-free days if a school building is unusable, during a disaster, or for other compelling reasons of public interest.
Because of this, the Ministry of Education and regional directorates do not have the legal mandate to close schools solely because of high temperatures. This creates a situation where educators must manage extreme heat within the bounds of existing school autonomy.
How is the heat affecting students and learning?
Temperatures in some Vienna schools have already reached 39°C. Melanie Rössler, a teacher representative for the Social Democratic Trade Unionists (FSG), stated that teaching is “simply no longer possible” at these temperatures.
In Linz, school director Stefanie Rieder described the environment in older buildings as feeling “like an oven.” Rieder reported that the heat significantly impacts concentration, noting that students may take twice as long to complete assignments and struggle to absorb new material.
The problem is often exacerbated by crowded classrooms, where up to 30 students may be seated in a single room, increasing the internal temperature.
What measures are being taken to mitigate the heat?
The Ministry of Education has issued recommendations for immediate action, including moving lessons to shaded outdoor areas, adjusting break schedules, and ensuring students have sufficient drinking water. Schools are also advised to avoid physically demanding activities.
In Vienna, Department 56 noted that while measures like UV-protective films and outdoor shading are possible, the use of mobile air conditioning units or fans requires official permission. Retrofitting older buildings remains difficult due to technical, financial, and ecological constraints.
How does the situation compare to other European countries?
While Austrian authorities face legal restrictions regarding closures, other European regions have implemented more direct responses. In France, 1,350 schools cancelled classes on Monday, and more than 4,000 schools ended their instructional day at noon.
In the United Kingdom, authorities in several counties have already moved to shorten teaching hours to cope with the rising temperatures.
What could happen next?
The Ministry of Education is currently reviewing measures to better manage heat within school buildings. Some of the approximately 500 federal schools already feature air-conditioned rooms or automatic night ventilation in newer constructions.
The FSG is calling for immediate short-term solutions, such as shortening teaching hours with parental consent, while pushing for long-term legislative changes to provide schools with more legal flexibility. In regions like Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland, school holidays begin on July 4, potentially providing relief for students in those areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can schools close specifically because of heatwaves?
No. Currently, neither the Ministry of Education nor the regional directorates have the legal authority to close schools specifically for heat under the existing School Time Act.
What can schools do immediately to help students?
The Ministry recommends using shaded outdoor areas, adjusting break times, avoiding strenuous physical activities, and providing adequate drinking water.
Is it easy to install air conditioning in schools?
No. In Vienna, the use of mobile air conditioning units and fans is subject to an approval process, and retrofitting older buildings is often limited by financial and technical factors.
How should national laws evolve to address increasing climate-driven heatwaves in schools?
