K-12: PREPARING YOUR SCHOOLS FOR COVID RELIEF FUNDING. HE N D E R S ON IN SIG HTS
As additional government funding becomes available as a result of the latest COVID relief package, schools that spent previous funds on short-term solutions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, are shifting their focus to apply these dollars to long-term strategies. Making it safe for students and staff to return to the classroom full-time means carefully evaluating educational facilities to assess how infection control protocols are being met and how social distancing is being accommodated. To make the most of these additional funds, it’s also important to identify and prioritize building and system upgrades and necessary updates throughout your district or campus. This could take the form of addressing aging infrastructure and long-neglected deficiency logs or emphasizing air filtration and improving air quality by upgrading HVAC equipment. Below are a variety of measures that can be taken when considering suitable options specific to your district’s needs.
AIRBOR N E
SURFACES
BIOAEROSOL TRANSMISSION
SURFACE CONTACT TRANSMISSION
▪ UV light sterilization — least obtrusive
▪ Touchless fixtures
▪ Enhanced filtration
▪ Individual hand washing stations
- Static pressure and air handler evaluation ▪ Active humidification to 50%
▪ Technology that supports wireless control, touch at user devices
▪ Occupant temperature readings with parent/guardian permission
▪ UV lighting in restroom stalls, weight rooms, cardio, locker rooms, kitchen/cafeteria/dining
▪ Increased ventilation and air quality
▪ Open circulation balanced with security strategies
- Increased outside air percentages above ASHRAE 62 - Added variable of enhanced student performance ▪ Space isolation - e.g. nurse suites - Negative pressurization
- HVAC zoning control - Lighting control strategies - Individual fixture control for space rearrangements/modifications ▪ Replace soft seating with cleanable surfaces
- HEPA filtration ▪ Retro-commissioning of systems for proper test and balancing
CON TI N U ED
> K-1 2 : DESI G N GUIDELINES FOR IN FE CTION CON TR OL
SOC I A L D I STAN C IN G DROPLET TRANSMISSION ▪ Instructional technology to support remote learning needs - Various options, various scales of implementation and usability - Virtual and augmented reality technologies in the classrooms ▪ Staggered occupancy, student drop-offs, and student release ▪ Partial in home/at school learning — schedules varying with grade levels ▪ Use of flexible space, commons, larger volume spaces for classes - Requires robust Wi-Fi, user-friendly AV integration
▪ Space utilization studies, rotational classes — code occupancy plans — life safety/egress studies ▪ Enhanced technology infrastructure for shared space scheduling boards - Classrooms - Cafeterias ▪ Outdoor classrooms, outdoor physical education - Outdoor Wi-Fi - Technology infrastructure ▪ Restrooms — individual stalls with individual lavatories
- Sound reinforcement and acoustical treatment needs DOUG EVERHART K-12 PRACTICE DIRECTOR doug.everhart@hendersonengineers.com
There are many considerations when making changes to your existing building. When it’s time to talk logistics, our Henderson Building Solutions group can help get these updates done fast and efficiently through product sourcing and installation. Speed to market and making changes in a seamless manner both matter as people come back to your spaces. Let us know how our team at Henderson can help.