I have to admit to being more than a little surprised when some local school districts closed early this week due to stifling heat.

No doubt it was oppressive in school buildings without air conditioning. Employees at Kingston City Hall know all about that, since that facility's units conked out. And we at the Freeman are aware of how hot it can get as our aging AC barely limps along. But you do the best you can under distracting circumstances and you get the job done.

So, yes, it's been extremely hot. It happens. People learn to live with it. Students will learn to live with it. Sending them home early won't teach them what's like in the outside world.