West Carrollton School District, West Carrollton, OH

West Carrollton School District (WCSD) began thinking seriously about IAQ issues in the wake of a public IAQ, moisture and ventilation problem that resulted in a lawsuit and negative media attention in the fall of 2001. In response, WCSD launched an IAQ management program in December 2001 to improve facility conditions and regain the public trust. WCSD’s initial IAQ Team was a diverse group. Members included then-skeptical parents, school board members, the superintendent, the business manager, the operations supervisor for maintenance and facilities, union representatives from the teachers and classified workers unions, and at least one representative from each building. This composition made the team a communications network, a warehouse of facility expertise and a decision-making body that could authorize spending and assign personnel. Over time, the make-up and focus of the IAQ team has evolved in keeping with the shift from IAQ to student and staff health, wellness and safety.

“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. It has allowed us to tell our story with passion and a sense of purpose.” Dana Green, Business Manager

Results:

• Found less severe IAQ problems that take less time to address from year to year.
• Improved student performance and attendance, and increased levels of staff and community trust.
• Increased voter support: converted a fixed-term levy to a permanent one to provide guaranteed funds for capital improvements and operations.