Schools have started holding classes just as August feels the way summer is supposed to feel.

Some school openings will often become school closings because Missouri still has a lot of schools without air conditioning. Many of those old buildings hold the heat well.

We can expect numerous announcements of early closings because of hot buildings. State education department coordinator Roger Dorson says the heat is a challenge for more than football and softball players. He says all activities that are outside–recess, football, softball, and band practice, and cheerleading practices–requiring watchfulness.

Former school superintendent Dorson says the decision on dismissing classes early is up to people like he was. "It is basically a judgment call," he says.

If schools hold classes for three hours, they get credit for a full day in meeting the state requirement of 174 days of instruction.

Upload BPs talk with Dorson (3:40 mp3)