Reopen & Redesign

The general idea is to make rooms as close to a clean, outside environment as practical.

The District has increased the mechanical ventilation to rooms, by increasing the opening of the outside air intake dampers on HVAC equipment. This allows more outside air to be introduced into rooms thereby increasing the percentage of fresh air in the room at any given time. This has the effect of diluting any virus concentration that may happen to be in the room. Although these measures make for much safer, healthier air quality, it does have the downside of decreasing energy efficiency and to some extent decreasing comfort. This is because outside air is non-conditioned air. On hot days for example it will lower the efficiency of the air conditioner as more volume of hotter, outside air comes into your classroom. On cold days it will lower the efficiency of the heaters as colder, outside air is introduced into classrooms. This decrease in efficiency and comfort will be most noticed on very hot or very cold days. We have opted for safety over 100 % comfort.

With similar reasoning we’ve set the fan that pumps outside air into rooms, to run continuously while the room is occupied. This is already the case in most rooms. This also has the down sides mentioned above. Again, we have opted for safety and this will probably only be apparent on very hot or very cold days.

We also strongly recommend, as weather permits, keeping all outside facing windows open, and doors open.

Increase HVAC filtration:
We have upgraded the filter in every HVAC unit in the District. We have gone from a MERV 8 to a MERV 13 filter. MERV 13 gives the greatest filtration possible on our existing HVAC units, and is basically a “Hospital Grade” filter. Filters are changed 3 times per year: Fall just before school opens, Winter Break, and Spring Break. More often if needed.

HVAC Unit Inspection:
Every HVAC unit in the District has been inspected for cleanliness and proper operation. M & O will continue to monitor filters and equipment on a regular basis.

Yes, State and County health officials have directed that face coverings should be worn by students and staff to ensure containment of droplets that emanate from the nose and mouth which can spread the virus. Students will not be required to wear a face covering when eating or drinking or participating in strenuous physical activity.

Face coverings are not recommended for anyone age 2 years old or younger or those who have trouble breathing or are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the covering without assistance

If for medical reasons your child is unable to wear a cloth face covering, a face shield with a drape may be worn.

The district is requesting that parents furnish their child with a face covering that fits and is comfortable. If a student arrives to school without their covering or misplaces it during the day, the school will provide a disposable face mask for their use.

Students need to wear a face covering at all times except when eating, drinking, or participating in strenuous physical activity.

The District will be providing information on how to self screen and the proper use of face coverings. The District is looking to hire additional staff to support school sites in student management.

At this time, six-feet is the required social distance guideline.

Schools will be creating student traffic directionals to minimize contact. Signs will be posted throughout the campus. The District is also looking to hire additional staff to help school sites in student management.

The District is planning on offering “grab and go” lunches that will be available at the end of each session. Students may eat on campus outdoors and socially distance. Elementary students can utilize the cafeteria tables, which will be marked out for appropriate seating. The District is looking at adding additional staff to assist in student management.