In August 2020 the Ontario Ministry of Education provided funding and guidance on air quality and ventilation in schools.  St. Clair Catholic’s allocation was $227,000.  Since that time, the Board has used the Optimizing Air Quality in Schools funding to develop a number of strategies, which support healthy and safe learning environments for students and staff.

These include:

• Upgrades to air filtration – All HVAC equipment is being inspected monthly by an HVAC technician.  Air filters have been upgraded and are changed every three months.
• Hiring a mechanical consultant – Chorley and Bisset has been contracted to conduct school assessments to review air distributions, school HVAC equipment and to advise the Board on best practices.
• Purchase of portable air conditioners and HEPA air purifier units – Teaching spaces with limited HVAC equipment and conditioned air have received portable air conditioners with HEPA air purifiers for safe and comfortable environments.

“Our Board is committed to learning environments that are safe and healthy for students and staff,” says Deb Crawford, Director of Education.  “We support this funding from the Ministry and will continue to work with our consultant to expend the funds in ways which produce the best and most effective results.”

On February 1, 2021 the Ontario government announced the second phase of Safe Return to Class Funding, which includes an additional $227,000 funding allocation for Optimizing Air Quality in Schools and Ventilation.  A plan for use of this further funding, supported by recommendations from Chorley and Bisset, has been submitted to the Ministry.