Too cool for school … literally

WASHINGTON – Bundle up, kids. It’s getting cold inside.

As oil and natural gas prices soar, public schools are having to make some tough decisions: turning down the thermostat, finding alternative sources of fuel, even cutting back on the school week.

At Menomonie High School in western Wisconsin, principal Tom Wiatr has dropped the temperature a few degrees. Students started wearing zip-up sweatshirts and fleeces to stay warm, raising questions about a school rule against wearing jackets indoors.
So the school clarified its policy, even scheduling a fashion show to highlight acceptable clothing.

Naturally, it was snowed out.

So far, students are lukewarm to the school’s strategy. The classroom temperature is 68 degrees.

AP