Assessing Air Quality & Ventilation

LPS will continue its practice of enhanced ventilation, and utilizing multiple means of monitoring room CO2 levels.

  • Dampers and fans set to bring in maximum amounts of fresh air;

  • Ventilating the buildings from two hours before school begins until two hours after school ends;

  • MERV11 and MERV13 filters will be used on building air handlers and changed four times a year;

  • Air quality in buildings will be closely and proactively monitored (e.g., when a building reaches 800 PPM, which is still considered safe), HVAC personnel will inspect the increasing CO2 levels and examine ways to improve the air quality of the building;

  • Staff may submit requests to the building principal for air quality data for their spaces, and the building principal will submit to the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations.

  • The district will provide HEPA filters and place them in rooms where CO2 levels indicate ventilation is not providing sufficient air exchanges.


Hot, Humid Days, Windows, & Fan Use

Many of our school buildings are not air conditioned and get unbearably hot in the fall and spring, especially on the second floor or in classrooms that get direct sunlight. Members of the school community have expressed concern about being able to teach and learn effectively in school buildings when temperatures are extreme. The concern is greater now than in the past in light of the face-mask requirement. We consulted with local public health officials on this matter, and we continue to implement the following practices:


      • Fans may be placed in strategic locations to maximize air flow and minimize potential for virus circulation.

      • We will use the heat index, which takes into consideration both the temperature and relative humidity, as a metric to determine where and how we will teach and learn.

      • If the heat index is in the “Caution” zone, educators will be encouraged to teach in an outdoor environment. The District will provide outdoor canopies and additional outdoor classroom spaces when feasible.

      • If the heat index is expected to be in the “Extreme Caution” zone or higher, the Superintendent will call a “Heat Day” and notify the school community.