Updated September 29, 2023
Students, staff, parents and guardians can learn more about our Board’s strategy to optimize air quality through improved ventilation and filtration in schools, including a school-by-school ventilation report, by clicking on the link below and downloading the PVNC Ventilation Profile.
The report quantifies all recently completed ventilation projects as well as any planned for the 2023-2024 school year, the total number of standalone high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter units deployed in schools and a school-by-school breakdown of the ventilation and filtration measures being utilized in each school, including the number of standalone HEPA filter units deployed.
Background
Improving ventilation and/or filtration in classrooms and learning environments is a key element in the multiple protective strategies to support healthy and safe learning environments for students and staff.
PVNC has continued to focus on optimizing air quality in schools and classrooms, making improvements at specific schools such as replacing older portables and replacing or upgrading HVAC systems.
For schools with full mechanical ventilation, we will:
- ensure that all ventilation systems have been inspected and are in good working order prior to the start of the school year
- use the highest-grade filters possible, preferably MERV 13 filters
- undertake frequent filter changes throughout the school year
- operate ventilation systems two hours or more before and after school occupancy
- calibrate HVAC systems for maximum air flow and increased fresh air intake
For schools or parts of schools without mechanical ventilation, we have placed standalone high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter units in all classrooms and learning environments. These units ensure particle filtration of air and improve air exchange.