Why should parents and families care about healthy schools?
The federal government has allocated MILLIONS of dollars in grant money to make our classrooms safer across the country. But many of our state Departments of Education and Health & Human Services have chosen NOT to purchase additional much needed portable HEPA air cleaners or water filtration units for schools using available CDC ELC funding that is set to expire on July 31st or the federal ESSER/American Rescue Plan funding to support infrastructure improvements to ensure our children aren’t drinking from water fountains with toxic lead levels.
Schools across the Northeast are struggling to remain open as wildfire smoke is making it unsafe for our children to breathe. Many of our children can’t drink from water fountains in the hallways. Meanwhile, we are facing a school absenteeism crisis and schools are struggling to staff classrooms because of absences. We need proactive approaches that keep our kids safe and learning without MORE DISRUPTION.
When schools are forced to close – or we must keep our children home because of a pandemic or unsafe conditions, it can throw our families into chaos. So why wouldn’t we be doing everything possible to PROTECT our schools and provide a safe space for our children to learn and grow?
Improving indoor air quality and access to clean drinking water in schools can have a huge impact on the health and well-being of our kids. Poor indoor air quality can lead to a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, headaches, fatigue, and allergies, and can make existing conditions like asthma even worse. And lead poisoning can have lifelong implications for our children.
What solutions are available to make our schools healthier?
The federal government has allocated MILLIONS of dollars in grant money to
make our classrooms safer across the country. But many of our state
Departments of Health & Human Services have chosen NOT to participate
and many times it is because they are unaware of the danger that poor
indoor air quality presents.
States that have done the research and want safe virus free air in their
classrooms purchase much needed portable HEPA air cleaners for schools
using available ARP & unused Covid funding that is set to expire on August 31,
2024.
American Rescue Plan funding can also support infrastructure improvements
to ensure our children aren’t drinking from water fountains with toxic lead
levels. Here's how it can help:
Reduced exposure to pollutants
Air and water filtration systems can help reduce the level of pollutants, allergens, and other harmful particles in the air and in water lines, which can lead to a healthier indoor environment for students and staff.
Improved health for our children
Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory issues like asthma, which can be particularly problematic for children. Air filtration systems can help alleviate these issues by removing harmful particles from the air, leading to improved respiratory health. Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child's health, including damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems
Enhanced academic performance
Improved equipment can lead to enhanced academic performance among students, as research has shown that even just minor improvements to indoor air quality can improve concentration and cognitive function.
Reduced absenteeism
Poor indoor air quality and lead poisoning can lead to increased absenteeism among both students and staff due to illness. The use of air and water filtration systems using the latest technologies and new CDC guidelines can help reduce the spread of illness, leading to fewer absences.
Long-term health benefits
Exposure to poor indoor air quality and toxic levels of lead can have long-term health effects, which can impact a child's health into adulthood. By using air and water filtration systems in schools, parents and families can help ensure that their children are learning and thriving in a healthy environment that supports their long-term health.
Overall, the use of air and water filtration systems in schools can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of students and staff, as well as their academic performance and attendance. Parents and families should work with schools and school districts to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to improve indoor air quality and protect the health of their children.
Is there money available for schools to get this equipment?
The amount of money available for air filtration systems in schools with ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funding can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the school district, the specific needs of the schools, and the funding allocated by the state or federal government.
The ESSER funds were allocated to schools in three rounds, with ESSER I funds totaling $13.2 billion, ESSER II funds totaling $54.3 billion, and ESSER III funds totaling $122.8 billion. These funds were made available to help schools address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including improving indoor air quality. In addition, the Center for Disease Control has allocated billions of dollars through their ELC program that begin to expire in July 2023.
While there is no specific amount of funding earmarked for air and water filtration systems in schools, schools can use ESSER funds to purchase and install these systems as part of their efforts to improve. The amount of funding available will depend on the individual school or district’s budget and the specific needs of the school. You can contact your school, district and local elected officials to help make this happen!
It is important to note that schools must follow guidelines and regulations for the use of ESSER and CDC funds, including reporting requirements and limitations on how the funds can be used. As parents and families, we can encourage our schools to consult with their state education agency, the department of public health or the U.S. Department of Education for more information on funding.
A SPECIAL NOTE ON COVID-19: How can air filtration help stop school closures from ever happening again?
Improved air filtration systems can play a crucial role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in schools and preventing future school closures. COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can remain in the air for some time and can be inhaled by others, leading to the spread of the virus.
Air filtration systems can help reduce the concentration of respiratory droplets and other infectious particles in the air, reducing the risk of transmission. Specifically, air filtration systems can:
Filter out particles: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, for example, can capture tiny particles, including respiratory droplets and other harmful particles, and prevent them from circulating in the air.
Increase ventilation: Increasing the amount of outdoor air and using fans can help improve air circulation and reduce the concentration of infectious particles in the air.
Lower risk of transmission: By reducing the concentration of infectious particles in the air, air filtration systems can help lower the risk of transmission, making it safer for students and staff to be in school.
Prevent future school closures: By reducing the spread of COVID-19, air filtration systems can help prevent future school closures due to outbreaks or high levels of community transmission.
Overall, improved air filtration systems can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in schools and prevent future school closures, making it safer for students and staff to be in school. However, it is important to note that air filtration systems should be used in conjunction with other mitigation measures, such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and regular hand washing, to maximize their effectiveness.
Why are we, as parents, motivated to act on building healthier schools?
Help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in schools and prevent future school closures, making it safer for students and staff to be in school and stop the potential for endless school closures.
Healthier children and school staff - let's stop the never ending cycle of colds and flu circling around our classrooms, keep kids learning and teachers teaching!
There is already funding allocation towards it. No need to advocate for MORE funding! Let's encourage our schools and leaders to use the funding that's been allocated and get the job done!
Get in touch with us!
Fill out the below form and we'll respond back to you shortly.