Naturally parents, staff, and students have questions about our physical plant systems and operations and in particular questions about COVID and the importance of fresh air ventilation systems.

Creating and maintaining healthy indoor air quality in our schools is not something new. Our HVAC (Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning) systems are designed to meet the highest ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standards. These standards recognize the importance of fresh air ventilation in our schools. All our schools have MUA (Make-Up Air) Systems that constantly bring fresh outside air into classrooms, offices, cafeterias, gyms and any occupied space during occupied periods.

Our systems are maintained and monitored constantly. We have a sophisticated Energy Management System that allows us to monitor and control our HVAC systems 24/7. This system not only allows us to monitor space temperatures, but the amount of fresh air being introduced to spaces. We receive an alarm when key systems fail and respond immediately.

Lastly, our HVAC systems are serviced twice annually: once prior to school opening and mid-winter to be sure the systems are operating properly. We follow the EPA Guidelines and Best Practices for Indoor Air Quality within Schools and are a member and participate in the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council programs.