Jump to main content.

2002 Excellence Award Winners

To learn more about EPA's awards and download applications:

IAQ TfS Award Winners

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

You can find local award winners.  Use the national map, just click on your state.

Envisioning Excellence presents the Framework for Effective School IAQ Programs: Six Key Drivers -- guidelines that detail the organizational approaches and practices that are fundamental to school IAQ program success -- and presents five profiles to demonstrate how different school districts applied the Framework to create enduring IAQ programs. Learn more about this exciting tool.

Get the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files linked on this page.  See EPA's PDF page to learn more.

National Leaders in Improving Indoor Air Quality in Schools

Special Achievement Award Winners

In Recognition of Outstanding Commitment to a Healthy School Environment

Excellence Award Winners

City and Borough of Juneau School District, Juneau, AK

The American Lung Association (ALA) of Alaska helped Juneau School District implement the IAQ TfS Program by coordinating training sessions and involving local experts on asthma and IAQ issues. The IAQ Team, led by Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA), encountered early resistance from district administrators. However, after sharing information on the importance of good IAQ in schools, they earned the support and approval of the district to continue the IAQ program. The team developed an IAQ plan, which included policies and procedures for maintenance and building management. Juneau School District continues to work cooperatively with ALA of Alaska, AANMA, and EPA Headquarters to keep up-to-date on IAQ issues, receive continued training for district staff, and fund building improvements to reduce asthma rates.

Eanes Independent School District, Austin, TX

Eanes ISD encountered IAQ problems seven years ago when facilities staff received reports of poor air quality in certain schools. Immediately, district staff relied on the IAQ TfS Kit’s Problem-Solving Wheel to detect IAQ problems, including poor ventilation, water damage, and foul odors. Staff attended workshops and seminars addressing IAQ issues, which helped guide the formation of the district’s IAQ Management Program and Team. The IAQ Team currently shares updates on the district’s IAQ improvements via the internal staff newsletter and discusses issues during faculty and parent association meetings. In the spring of 2002, Eanes ISD approved a $67 million bond issue to renovate schools and upgrade equipment and maintenance practices for better air quality and ventilation. The district continues to be proactive in addressing concerns and is committed to working with IAQ TfS to improve the condition of school facilities.

Hamden Public Schools, Hamden, CT

After learning of the IAQ TfS Program, district nurses introduced the Kit to administrators and other school staff. Using the IAQ TfS Kit as a guide, all Hamden school staff participated in training sessions and building walkthroughs. The chairperson of the Health and Safety Committee and the Director of School Health Services acted as the IAQ Coordinators and facilitated training sessions for team members. Since implementing the Kit, Hamden Public Schools has experienced a noticeable decrease in student absenteeism, decreased student visits to the school nurse for asthma and inhaler usage, and a reduction in incidents of headaches and flu-like health symptoms. The district continues to improve communication with the school community on IAQ issues by posting updates on its Web site and in newsletters. Hamden Public Schools is an enthusiastic supporter of neighboring schools, who are beginning IAQ management programs. Hamden continues to share its experiences and discuss IAQ issues at educational meetings and the Health and Safe School Environments State Conference.

Huber Heights City Schools, Huber Heights, OH

After attending seminars on IAQ TfS sponsored by the Ohio Department of Health and the American Lung Association in spring 2001, the district’s maintenance supervisor met with the Safety Committee to communicate the importance of good IAQ. After the school board approved implementation of the Kit in spring 2002, the maintenance department organized a kickoff meeting and received positive recognition from local media. The maintenance supervisor organized an IAQ Team at each school and conducted workshops to train staff on the IAQ TfS Program. The IAQ Teams participated in walkthroughs and completed checklists to help maintenance staff identify problems. Several low-cost solutions have already been implemented, including installing ventilator filters to capture more contaminants; using anti-bacterial tablets to inhibit mold and mildew growth in HVAC coils; removing carpet and installing tiles; fixing or replacing exhausts and vent fans; and replacing spray pesticides with baits and traps for better pest management. Huber Heights City Schools has made great strides in working with IAQ TfS in a short period of time and continues to encourage district-wide commitment to good IAQ practices.

Independence School District, Independence, MO

Independence School District (ISD) began working with the American Lung Association’s Open Airways Program to help students manage their asthma and identify asthma triggers in school buildings. Health problems, such as sinus infections, bronchitis, and asthma, reported by staff prompted ISD to explore the IAQ TfS Program. Working with the City of Independence Health Department, the district began implementing IAQ TfS in September 2001. Facilities staff use IAQ TfS checklists during regular building walkthroughs and have implemented a few routine cleaning practices for better maintenance, including changing filters every four months and notifying schools before pesticides are applied on school grounds. ISD maintains positive community relations, working with Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse to collect building supply donations for IAQ projects. ISD staff are proactive in addressing complaints and have established a strong partnership with the City of Independence Health Department, earning the district positive recognition throughout the community.

Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville, KY

Jefferson County Public Schools is an IAQ TfS leader and mentor for other schools in the surrounding community. Developing a proactive approach to managing IAQ district wide, it took steps to improve knowledge, communications, and teamwork. Using the information provided in the IAQ TfS Kit, the district offers training for team building and problem solving skills focused on managing and preventing IAQ problems. Team members conduct weekly walkthroughs in all schools, implement an integrated pest management program, conduct routine radon testing and mitigation, and regularly monitor airflow. These efforts have led to concrete results—student attendance rates and test scores are rising, and there are fewer complaints about IAQ issues. The district’s other outreach efforts include serving on various organization boards, participating in school and organization meetings, and encouraging other school districts to adopt good IAQ practices.

Mandan Public School District, Mandan, ND

Mandan Public School District first learned of the IAQ TfS Program from the American Lung Association of North Dakota, who conducted an information session for the district superintendent and several principals. Team leaders and volunteer staff completed checklists during walkthroughs and prepared an action plan to prioritize building repairs. The district identified three key problem areas: general cleaning practices, ventilation, and thermal comfort, which resulted in the suggested implementation of several low-cost solutions, including repairing air handling systems, replacing air filters regularly, using HEPA filter vacuum cleaners, cleaning floor drains and dry sink drains weekly, and landscaping grounds to divert water drainage from building foundations. Team leaders developed news releases and provided them to local media to share information on the district’s successful IAQ program. Mandan Public School District continues to work with the IAQ TfS Program and uses the IAQ action plan to identify solutions and make repairs.

Mesa Public Schools, Mesa, AZ

Regular complaints of stuffy air, mold, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and increased asthma episodes prompted Mesa Public Schools to develop a comprehensive IAQ Management Program. The district began using the IAQ TfS Program and designed a prototype modular classroom to test and monitor equipment that increases fresh air intake, maintains carbon dioxide levels, and eliminates IAQ problems in portable classrooms. IAQ Team members used checklists and the Problem Solving Wheel provided in the Kit to develop a flow chart for addressing IAQ and related health problems. Over the last four years, test scores have noticeably increased. The IAQ Team conducts regular meetings with faculty, parents, and the community to share Mesa’s experience with the IAQ TfS Program. The Team has presented information on IAQ and mold at national workshops. Mesa Public Schools has received positive local and national recognition for its IAQ program and is committed to establishing a healthy learning environment in district schools.

Norwich Public Schools, Norwich, CT

Norwich Public Schools conducts monthly IAQ Team meetings to discuss IAQ issues. They offer training on the IAQ TfS checklists and guides for teachers, staff, custodians, and maintenance personnel. The Director of Facilities works with the local health department, fire department, police department, department of public works, Yale University, and the University of Connecticut to implement and enhance the school’s IAQ management plan. Faculty members have expressed great appreciation for noticeable improvements to the classroom environment, particularly increased airflow and cleanliness. Norwich Public Schools serves as an example to other schools in the region by sharing its IAQ TfS successes at state and local education association meetings.

Plano Independent School District, Plano, TX

After the facility department spent $60,000 to eliminate mold contamination from a rented facility used for an early childhood center, district administrators realized the importance of a proactive approach to IAQ issues. The IAQ TfS Program, supported by top-level management from the very beginning, was the driving force for their IAQ management plan. Their support began at a principal’s meeting in December 2001, in which the Deputy Superintendent committed to implementing the Kit. Facilities staff posted electronic versions of the building inspection checklists on the district’s Intranet site and regularly reported public IAQ updates on the district’s Web site. The district developed a software program to analyze data collected from building checklists and walkthrough inspections. Facilities staff are progressively developing the IAQ program as a tool to implement and support the Preventive Maintenance Program and continues to receive the support of the district administrators for large IAQ projects.

Reading School District, Reading, PA

Reading School District has implemented an extensive IAQ communications and outreach effort in each of the district’s 19 schools. The district educates school staff, school board officials, community members, parents, and school nurse associations about IAQ issues in schools by distributing EPA’s IAQ TfS Kit and supporting materials. The District involved local businesses in an innovative "Adopt a School" program to secure funding for building repairs while providing opportunities for positive recognition of participating organizations. After IAQ improvements were made, school nurses noticed a decline in the number of student visits to the nurse’s office for asthma medication and health complaints. The IAQ TfS Kit helped Reading School District establish a successful IAQ management program for identifying and resolving IAQ problems, including asbestos, lead, and mold.

Sharon Public Schools, Sharon, MA

Sharon Public Schools adopted IAQ TfS in June 1998 after the acting IAQ Coordinator learned about the Program at a Massachusetts Teachers Association workshop sponsored by EPA. Since then, the district’s IAQ Team, led by the joint health and safety committee, has identified IAQ problems by distributing questionnaires, mapping problem areas, and collecting building data. After reviewing this information, the Team removed hazardous chemicals, improved the ventilation system, replaced water-damaged tiles, and purchased several HEPA filter vacuum cleaners. To better track IAQ issues, the district created a database that staff can use to report their IAQ-related questions and complaints. The district is also expanding communication efforts by meeting with the school committee to provide IAQ updates and by discussing its participation in and success using IAQ TfS with other school districts.

Township of Ocean Board of Education, Oakhurst, NJ

With the support of an IAQ Team comprised of several critical members of the school staff, Township of Ocean Board of Education successfully implemented new IAQ procedures. The Team encourages the involvement of faculty members by facilitating monthly meetings and training sessions on the IAQ TfS Program. Improvements have already been documented—the school nurse noted a decline in the number of student visits due to asthma-related problems and teachers and parents have given positive feedback about cleaner classrooms and "fresher" air. The Supervisor of Facilities speaks about IAQ TfS and good IAQ practices at New Jersey Schools Buildings and Grounds Association meetings, and the school nurse teaches a course about implementing the IAQ TfS Program at a local university.

Williamson County School District, Franklin, TN

After its success with the American Lung Association’s Open Airways Program, Williamson County School District decided to pilot the IAQ TfS Program. An Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics volunteer initiated the first step in the IAQ TfS Program with classroom walkthroughs, which led to the development of IAQ-related goals for the maintenance department. These changes included replacing plug-in deodorizers with natural alternatives, limiting classroom pets, and drafting plans for ventilation system replacement. The IAQ Team educated school staff during faculty meetings and coordinated district-wide asthma training during teacher in-service days. The maintenance department played a critical role by creating detailed packets that explained the district IAQ management plan, results of walkthroughs, and reference materials. The Team currently speaks about the program at other schools and to organizations working to improve IAQ. They also wrote an article for a local newspaper describing the success of their pilot program.

Top of page

Special Achievement Award Winners

Buist Academy for Advanced Studies, Charleston, SC

Students played a pivotal role in launching the IAQ TfS Program at Buist Academy for Advanced Studies. In 2000, a sixth grade class designed a model classroom to demonstrate how the learning environment could be improved. Using checklists provided in the Kit, students, along with staff members, performed walkthroughs to identify areas of primary concern. They focused on window restoration and researched the impacts of natural lighting in classrooms on health, academic performance, and energy costs. The following year’s sixth graders continued the project by conducting several months of research to determine alternatives to worn-out carpet in the school. After reviewing the students’ report, the school board and PTA approved new window and carpet purchases for the school using outside funds, including contributions from student fund raisers, local businesses, and manufacturers. Students continue to contribute to the success of the IAQ TfS Program at Buist. They participate in presentations to local youth service organizations and have prepared a video to help other schools implement IAQ TfS. The students’ activities have generated positive publicity and interest from organizations and other school districts.

Delaware Joint Vocational School, Delaware, OH

Increasing problems—including indoor humidity, carpet maintenance, chemical use, storage, and water intrusion— prompted Delaware Joint Vocational School to begin implementing the IAQ TfS Program. Working with the Delaware General Health District and the Ohio Department of Health to implement the Program, the school organized an IAQ Team representing staff from all levels. They then modified the checklists provided in the Kit to meet the specific needs of a vocational school setting comprised of several laboratories and wood working areas. Team members completed checklists and made suggestions to improve building air quality, including using Material Safety Data Sheets to monitor chemicals, replacing damaged or worn carpet with hard surface flooring, repairing roof leaks, and upgrading the HVAC systems. The IAQ Coordinator presented the team’s IAQ Management Plan and the school’s success with the IAQ TfS Program at Board of Education meetings and statewide conferences. Delaware Joint Vocational School continues to use the resources provided in the IAQ TfS Kit to help team members identify facility problems, make repairs, and address staff concerns for better communication and a healthier school environment.

East Dubuque Community Unit School District #119, East Dubuque, IL

In Fall 2000, the superintendent and maintenance director for East Dubuque Community Unit School District began conducting IAQ TfS walkthroughs in the school buildings. In May 2002, the Team expanded to include the school nurse, home economics teacher, bus driver, cooks, art teachers, science teachers, and custodians. The nurse currently collects data on asthma-related visits to her office, which will be used to determine trends in asthma and other IAQ-related illnesses in the district before and after IAQ improvements. With the support of the school board, the Team has successfully responded to IAQ issues in the school district and networks with other schools in the region to promote the Program.

Nassau County Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), Westbury, NY

One of the first groups in the United States to become involved with IAQ TfS, Nassau County BOCES coordinates educational, safety, and health services for all schools in Nassau County. This highly respected organization encourages school districts to adopt the IAQ TfS Program, form an IAQ Team, and develop an IAQ management plan. The group provides materials and training on the Kit and effectively communicates with school staff about the Program. Nassau BOCES is in a unique position to provide coordinated educational support services for all schools in the county and partners with key school decision makers. To date, the Board has succeeded in getting 12 schools/districts to implement IAQ TfS and continues to reach out to other Boards of Cooperative Educational Services throughout New York State.

Northwest Air Pollution Authority, Mount Vernon, WA with Washington State University Cooperative Extension, WA

In 2000, EPA grantees Dave Blake, with Northwest Air Pollution Authority, and Rich Prill, with Washington State University Cooperative Extension, developed a condensed training manual, Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Implementation: 3 Easy Steps as a supplement to the IAQ TfS Kit. They coordinated several free training sessions for school district staff throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. During the 2001-2002 school years, Dave Blake and Rich Prill helped more than 240 schools implement the IAQ TfS Program. They received extended funding from their organizations to continue the project and market the training booklet at the Washington State National Environmental Health Association Conference and the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council’s Building Operator Certification courses attended by school facilities staff. They started an IAQ newsletter, which is shared with schools throughout the region, and they continue to provide effective training to help school staff address IAQ complaints and community concerns.

San Francisco Unified School District, IAQ Policy Implementation Committee, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) began working with EPA’s Region 9 San Francisco Office in 1998 to address community concerns over rising asthma rates in district schools. SFUSD formed an IAQ Policy Implementation Committee to conduct building walkthroughs, identify sources of IAQ problems contributing to the rise in asthma cases, and establish maintenance guidelines to improve the condition of school facilities. The school nurse participating on the Team tracks health complaints submitted by district schools and recently reported that the use of asthma inhalers decreased dramatically after IAQ improvements were made. Committee members participate in the district’s planning process and attend school staff meetings where they promote the IAQ TfS Program. To date, SFUSD has performed walkthroughs in 15 of the 20 schools participating in the program and is committed to continuing walkthroughs and completing building improvements.

Top of page

About the Indoor Environments Division | Where You Live | Frequently Answered Questions | Site Index

Local Navigation

Jump to main content.