Mexico's Business Leaders Oppose Shorter School Year Amid Heatwave Crisis
Mexico’s Employers’ Federation (Coparmex) has spoken out against proposals to shorten the school year due to extreme heat. The business group warns that early closures will worsen educational delays and create chaos for working families across the country.
The organisation argues that such a move lacks proper planning and could deepen existing learning gaps in a nation already struggling with low academic performance. Coparmex highlighted Mexico’s poor performance in global education rankings, pointing to the 2022 PISA results where the country placed 35th out of 37 OECD nations. With 19.4% of the population already facing educational deficits, according to INEGI, the group insists that reducing school days would only make the problem worse.
Instead of cutting the academic year, the federation urges authorities to explore other options. These include adjusting school schedules to avoid peak heat hours or improving infrastructure, such as installing cooling systems in classrooms. Coparmex also stressed that any changes to the school calendar must follow legal procedures, including formal publication and clear regulatory guidelines.
The group further warned of broader economic consequences, particularly for working mothers who rely on predictable school schedules. To address the issue effectively, Coparmex called for regional solutions developed with input from education officials, teachers, and parent associations. Their goal is to find practical ways to protect students from heatwaves without sacrificing learning time. The federation’s stance reflects concerns over both educational and economic stability. Without proper planning and investment, a shortened school year could leave students further behind while disrupting family routines. Coparmex continues to push for long-term solutions that balance safety with uninterrupted learning.
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