IAQ Tools for Schools

Improved Academic Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What Actions Have Real School Districts Taken and What Results Have They Seen?

School districts that are achieving outstanding results are incorporating the core elements of the EPA’s “Framework for Effective School IAQ Management” in their environmental, health and safety programs. The “Framework” synthesizes years of research into what makes the most successful IAQ management programs work and it distills that learning into a simple system that any school can adapt to meet its IAQ management needs. The “Framework” consists of six key drivers that describe the system for program success. Read more about the "Framework".

Real Examples of Successful Comprehensive IAQ Management in Schools

EPA has developed the “Envisioning Excellence” suite of materials and the “Framework” to help schools take effective action to advance health, safety and wellness initiatives. “Envisioning Excellence” tells the stories of several different school districts that applied the “Framework” to create effective and enduring IAQ programs. In their diversity, these stories demonstrate the feasibility and adaptability of the “Framework.” They make clear that any school, regardless of location, size, budget or facility conditions, can use the “Framework” to launch and sustain a successful IAQ program. For a more complete explanation and description of these programs and supporting materials, visit EPA’s Envisioning Excellence Website.

Blue Valley School District (BVSD)

Blue Valley School District (BVSD) "Building Momentum - Linking IAQ Management to Student Success"

BVSD integrated its IAQ management program into the district's existing maintenance and energy program. BVSD uses a work order system to track reported IAQ concerns and monitors operating expenditures to capture cost savings from IAQ upgrades. BVSD tracks outcomes related to health and academic achievement, maintenance, and energy and has seen a positive result from their environmental investments.

Read the school district profile (PDF) (1 page, 128 K, about PDF)

Harford Public Schools (HPS)

Harford Public Schools (HPS) "Using IAQ Management to Address Asthma in an Urban District"

HPS applied the IAQ Tools for Schools Framework to create a district-wide wellness program and address rising rates of asthma. They recruited teams at various school sites and partnered with health and environmental organizations from across the city (universities, non-profits, local and state government, etc.). HPS monitors IAQ Tools for Schools implementation at the District's schools, and the nursing staff tracks asthma outcomes.

Read the school district profile (PDF) (1 page, 208 K, about PDF)

Katy Independent School District (KISD)

Katy Independent School District (KISD) "Turning Crisis into Opportunity…and Thriving"

KISD launched their IAQ Tools for Schools Program to respond to a mold crisis that led to the closing of one of their schools and the sudden relocation of over 700 students in the spring of 2002. KISD tracks baseline facility conditions and improvements over time based on walkthrough assessments and the number of reported IAQ concerns from work orders.

Read the school district profile (PDF) (1 page, 99 K, about PDF)

Saugus Union School District (SUSD)

Saugus Union School District (SUSD) "Where Effective IAQ Management is Standard Operations"

IAQ Tools for Schools was the key to ending a 1999 air quality crisis at SUSD. Now, SUSD annually compiles an IAQ summary report, which tracks IAQ complaints, assessments, and remediation.

“Preventive measures cost more upfront but save money over time. Go to the district level and say, ‘In the long run, it will make your life easier.’ I think about IAQ Tools for Schools like dental hygiene. Some people just avoid it, but they end up needing a root canal! If you want your school smiling, you can’t neglect IAQ.” - Adina Neale, District IAQ Coordinator, Saugus Union School District.

Read the school district profile (PDF) (1 page, 95 K, about PDF)

The School Board of Broward County FL (Broward)

The School Board of Broward County FL (Broward) "The More Open and Collaborative the Program, the Better the IAQ Outcomes"

Broward experienced a mold crisis in 2002 that led to the implementation of a comprehensive, district-wide IAQ Tools for Schools Program. Broward uses survey results to track IAQ concerns and responses over time and monitors workers compensation claims.

“Before 2002, we were taking some action to address IAQ, but our activities were not systematic and they were not undertaken in a spirit of collaboration. Our crisis caused a paradigm shift in our approach. … Now, we’re much more focused on involvement, communications, and collaboration with the community, the unions, and all the disciplines throughout the district. Before, we worked behind the scenes … in a veiled way …. But now, everyone in the district understands IAQ and knows they have a role to play in promoting healthy school environments.” - Jeff Moquin, Director of Risk Management, School Board of Broward County Florida.

Read the school board's profile (PDF) (1 page, 121 K, about PDF)

West Carrollton School District (WCSD)

West Carrollton School District (WCSD) "Communicating to Build Trust, Conduct Effective Assessments, and Deliver IAQ Results"

Occupants in WCSD facilities receive an annual survey, the results of which (in tandem with building walkthroughs) drive the district’s determination of the IAQ program’s performance and priorities.

“The IAQ Tools for Schools Program is bigger than just an individual or even a small group; the IAQ Tools for Schools approach for addressing problems has become a way of life for everyone in the school community, from administration to students.” - Dana Green, Director of Business Services, West Carrollton School District.