Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 10/15/2021 - 7:00 PM
Category: Facilities and Operations
Type: Info
Subject: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Targeted Sampling Results Update
ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 1: Systemic Alignment
ACPS will build a culture of continuous improvement and design equitable systems for school and instructional improvement.
Goal 3: Student Accessibility and Support
ACPS will ensure students have equitable access to and engagement with programs and supports that reduce barriers to learning.
Goal 4: Strategic Resource Allocation
ACPS will strategically provide differentiated resources and supports to schools and departments.
Goal 5: Family and Community Engagement
ACPS will ensure that all families and community members feel welcomed, respected, and valued.
Policy:
Funding Source or Fiscal Impact (where applicable)
File Attachment:
211015_Brief_IAQ_Testing_and_Results_Update.pdf
211015_Att1_IAQ_Summary_Table_of_Results_Sheet1.pdf
Agenda Item Summary: As part of the Department of Facilities and Operations continued efforts to assess, monitor and improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) within our facilities, the Office of Safety and Security Services completed targeted IAQ sampling at all school locations from the end of August 2021-September 2021. The IAQ targeted sampling effort was implemented through a third-party environmental contractor, Total Environmental Concepts Inc (TEC). Testing samples were taken in select areas of each facility; sampling locations were selected to collect representative IAQ data in these specific areas and to document any areas of potential concern observed during the site assessment. All samples were prepared by TEC for shipment to a NVLAP (National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program) accredited laboratory under strict chain-of-custody.

ACPS required TEC to measure the following major indoor air pollutants:
Radon
Mold
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s)
4-polycyclohexene (4-pch)
Formaldehyde

In accordance with the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) IAQ guidelines and recommendations, TEC also took measurements of the following at each school:
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Dioxide
Humidity
Temperature
Oxygen

Final results received from TEC show that most areas tested division-wide were within acceptable ranges in comparison to EPA, LEED and/or ASHRAE standards and guidelines. Any exceptions have been highlighted in Attachment 1 “IAQ Brief Summary Table of Results”. The appropriate remediation activities, retesting and clearance has already occurred for the Charles Barrett Elementary School classroom where elevated levels of mold was detected through this process. We will continue to monitor any other area of noted concern (where anomalies were noted yet not displaying elevated levels); if monitoring shows need for remediation, we will move forward accordingly.

TEC provided a full, detailed report of testing analysis for each school. Each report contains an Executive Summary, Summary of Findings, Assessment Methods, Visual Observations, other analytical material and detailed lab analysis results. The full report for every school, including lab results, will be posted to the Safety and Security Services webpage on or before Monday, 10/25/21.
Background: Per the Board Brief submitted on August 13, 2021 related to Ventilation/IAQ Updates:

To continue our efforts of indoor air quality management, the Department of Facilities and Operations contracted with an environmental consultant to perform targeted sampling at all school locations. The sampling includes testing for air, radon and mold and began the week of August 9, 2021. While it was intended to begin this effort earlier in the summer, the environmental consultant encountered supply chain issues related to necessary materials to complete sampling. It is important to note that Covid-related supply chain delays are being experienced nationwide and are not unique to ACPS projects. Completion of sampling, to include formal analysis reports, is anticipated by September 15, 2021. As the environmental consultant performs sampling and receives initial analysis, updates will be provided to the Department. Any immediate areas of concern will be addressed in advance of final summative reports. All reports will be posted to the Office of Safety and Security webpage once received.
Recommendation: The Superintendent recommends that the School Board review the information contained in this Board Brief as well as the corresponding attachment.
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Dr. Alicia Hart - Executive Director of Facilities and Operations
Signed By:
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. - Superintendent