Mexico's business leaders oppose early school closures amid heatwave crisis
Mexico’s Employers’ Federation (Coparmex) has spoken out against government plans to shorten the school year due to extreme heat. The group argues that ending classes early would harm education and disrupt families without solving the core issue.
Coparmex insists that alternative measures—like adjusted schedules or better school infrastructure—should be explored first.
The federation warned that a nationwide early end to the academic year would create major problems. Working mothers, in particular, rely on schools for childcare, and a shortened calendar could force many to leave their jobs. Coparmex also stressed that education remains vital for Mexico’s development, pointing to the country’s poor performance in recent PISA rankings—35th out of 37 OECD nations—with nearly one in five people facing educational deficits.
Beyond economic concerns, Coparmex questioned the legal basis for the Ministry of Public Education’s decision. The group argued that changing the school calendar without clear guidelines oversteps authority. Instead, they called for regional solutions developed with teachers, parents, and local officials to address heatwaves without sacrificing learning. The federation emphasised that education policies must be responsible, technically sound, and tailored to each state’s needs. Ending classes early without proper justification, they said, would set a dangerous precedent—prioritising short-term fixes over long-term educational stability.
Coparmex has made clear that learning cannot be compromised by rushed administrative decisions. The group demands a more structured approach, combining infrastructure improvements and flexible scheduling to protect students from heat.
Without such measures, they warn, both families and the economy will suffer unnecessary strain.
