Johnston students dismissed early due to cooling system issues

Johnston schools dismissed its secondary schools at 11:50 a.m. and its elementary students at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

Johnston schools dismissed its secondary schools at 11:50 a.m. and its elementary students at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

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Johnston schools dismissed its secondary schools at 11:50 a.m. and its elementary students at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

One local school district is dismissing its students early on their first day of school amidst the late-summer heat.

Johnston schools dismissed its secondary schools at 11:50 a.m. and its elementary students at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

According to the district, two of the schools' geothermal cooling systems couldn't keep up with the high demand — one of those being Summit Middle School.

Some parents picking up their students were happy about the decision.

"I'm just glad. It's way too hot," Amanda Penisten said. "I don't have to worry that it's not cool enough in the building. They can just cool off at home."

Others weren't surprised by the decision.

"I wasn't really surprised when it happened because it was really warm in the schools on open house night too," Lurae Zavalla said.

The district has announced it will also be dismissing students early on Thursday.