On April 10, 2024, the Department of Education convened over 70 participants for an in-depth forum on the topic of heat waves, held at the Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. This event brought together key experts, including Dr. Pablo Méndez, professor at the Medical Sciences Campus; Dr. Ada Monzon, renowned meteorologist; and Ernesto Rodríguez, director of the Puerto Rico Meteorological Service, to discuss and evaluate current measures aimed at mitigating the impact of extreme heat on Puerto Rico’s school communities.

The diverse audience included regional superintendents, central office administrative staff, and was honored by the presence of Dr. Yanira Raíces Vega, Secretary of the Department of Education. The forum aimed to address the challenges posed by extreme heat events through collaborative discussions and practical strategies.

Participants engaged in capacity-building exercises designed to foster collaboration and gather invaluable feedback on adaptive strategies for extreme heat recommendations. These exercises encouraged input on current departmental initiatives, allowing for an exchange of perspectives on strengthening and expanding heat mitigation measures.

Through expert insights and collaborative engagement, the forum underscored the Department’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Puerto Rico’s students and communities in the face of climate challenges. This effort marks another step toward proactive climate adaptation and resilience-building across the region.