SICK BUILDINGS MAKE SICK PEOPLE

The Invisible Threat of Poor Indoor Air Quality / PAthogenic Mitigation have Building Occupants and THE White House Demanding Improvements.

SICK BUILDINGS MAKE SICK PEOPLE
The Invisible Threat of Poor IAQ/PM in Buildings have Occupants and White House Demanding Improvements.

  POOR IAQ/PM IN US SCHOOLS

POOR IAQ/PM IS A LEADING CONTRIBUTOR TO SHORT AND
LONG TERM HEALTH RISKS AND REDUCED PRODUCTIVITY
FOR STUDENTS,TEACHERS, AND STAFF

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) directly impacts health and productivity of students and staff in US Schools that have 50 as average age of buildings. Indoor air pollution may not be visible, but the symptoms of it are diminished cognitive function, poor concentration and reduced productivity. Superintendents and School Board Members need to understand the risks of poor indoor air quality and the steps they can take to improve it.

There are several ways poor indoor air quality in the schools can directly affect students’ wellness. The U.S. EPA reports indoor air pollution can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory illnesses, heart disease and even cancer.

In addition to bodily illnesses, poor indoor air quality also significantly impacts students’ productivity at school which dictates their socio-economic future. Studies have found a few key conditions caused by indoor air pollution that closely correlate to school performance. 
 

Reduced Cognitive Function

A 2021 study by Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers identified a connection between the cognitive function of in-office employees and workplace indoor air quality. The study included employees across multiple countries, age groups and professions. They tracked levels of indoor air pollution over time and employees were given a short test periodically throughout the day. 

The results of this study revealed that when indoor air pollution was higher, employees showed lower cognitive function. They took longer to respond to questions on the tests, answered fewer questions correctly and needed more help to focus. These symptoms may not be obvious at first glance, but the Harvard study revealed a clear pattern across numerous offices and industries. 

 

HIGHER RATES OF HEADACHES AND FATIGUE

In addition to diminished cognitive function, students can also suffer from increased rates of headaches and fatigue due to poor IAQ. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a condition that causes illness triggered by the poor indoor air quality in a particular building. People can tell when they are suffering from SBS if their symptoms improve when they go outside.

Sick Building Syndrome causes headaches and fatigue, as well as flu and cold-like symptoms. As a result, students and staff may even be prompted to take a sick day, thinking they have a cold, only to feel better once they get home. Reduced productivity in students and teachers who suffer from SBS accounts for a large portion of this estimated economic impact.

 

Stress and distraction

Poor indoor air quality can increase stress levels and distraction in students, teachers, and staff, resulting in poor productivity. While many factors can cause stress in the workplace, poor indoor air quality only worsens things. This isn’t just caused by air pollution, but also poor temperature and humidity management.

Thermal discomfort occurs when indoor temperatures are too high or low. Of course, different people have different temperatures they prefer to work/learn in — some like their workspace to lean cold, while others prefer it warm. Additionally, different body types adapt to indoor temperatures differently. However, facility managers are generally recommended to keep indoor temperatures between 68° and 76° Fahrenheit.

When the school strays outside this ideal temperature range, employees are more likely to experience stress and distractibility from thermal discomfort. Humidity can exaggerate indoor temperatures, as well. High humidity can worsen excessive heat and increase air pollution, potentially causing mold to accumulate in ventilation systems.

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) directly impacts health and productivity of students and staff in US Schools that have 50 as average age of buildings. Indoor air pollution may not be visible, but the symptoms of it are diminished cognitive function, poor concentration and reduced productivity. Superintendents and School Board Members need to understand the risks of poor indoor air quality and the steps they can take to improve it.

There are several ways poor indoor air quality in the schools can directly affect students’ wellness. The U.S. EPA reports indoor air pollution can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory illnesses, heart disease and even cancer.

In addition to bodily illnesses, poor indoor air quality also significantly impacts students’ productivity at school which dictates their socio-economic future. Studies have found a few key conditions caused by indoor air pollution that closely correlate to school performance. 
 

Reduced Cognitive Function

A 2021 study by Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers identified a connection between the cognitive function of in-office employees and workplace indoor air quality. The study included employees across multiple countries, age groups and professions. They tracked levels of indoor air pollution over time and employees were given a short test periodically throughout the day. 

The results of this study revealed that when indoor air pollution was higher, employees showed lower cognitive function. They took longer to respond to questions on the tests, answered fewer questions correctly and needed more help to focus. These symptoms may not be obvious at first glance, but the Harvard study revealed a clear pattern across numerous offices and industries. 

 

HIGHER RATES OF HEADACHES AND FATIGUE

In addition to diminished cognitive function, students can also suffer from increased rates of headaches and fatigue due to poor IAQ. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a condition that causes illness triggered by the poor indoor air quality in a particular building. People can tell when they are suffering from SBS if their symptoms improve when they go outside.

Sick Building Syndrome causes headaches and fatigue, as well as flu and cold-like symptoms. As a result, students and staff may even be prompted to take a sick day, thinking they have a cold, only to feel better once they get home. Reduced productivity in students and teachers who suffer from SBS accounts for a large portion of this estimated economic impact.

 

Stress and distraction

Poor indoor air quality can increase stress levels and distraction in students, teachers, and staff, resulting in poor productivity. While many factors can cause stress in the workplace, poor indoor air quality only worsens things. This isn’t just caused by air pollution, but also poor temperature and humidity management.

Thermal discomfort occurs when indoor temperatures are too high or low. Of course, different people have different temperatures they prefer to work/learn in — some like their workspace to lean cold, while others prefer it warm. Additionally, different body types adapt to indoor temperatures differently. However, facility managers are generally recommended to keep indoor temperatures between 68° and 76° Fahrenheit.

When the school strays outside this ideal temperature range, employees are more likely to experience stress and distractibility from thermal discomfort. Humidity can exaggerate indoor temperatures, as well. High humidity can worsen excessive heat and increase air pollution, potentially causing mold to accumulate in ventilation systems.

POOR IAQ/PM IN US SCHOOLS

POOR IAQ/PM IS A LEADING CONTRIBUTOR TO SHORT AND LONG TERM HEALTH RISKS AND REDUCED PRODUCTIVITY FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND STAFF

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) directly impacts health and productivity of students and staff in US Schools that have 50 as average age of buildings. Indoor air pollution may not be visible, but the symptoms of it are diminished cognitive function, poor concentration and reduced productivity. Superintendents and School Board Members need to understand the risks of poor indoor air quality and the steps they can take to improve it.

There are several ways poor indoor air quality in the schools can directly affect students’ wellness. The U.S. EPA reports indoor air pollution can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory illnesses, heart disease and even cancer.

In addition to bodily illnesses, poor indoor air quality also significantly impacts students’ productivity at school which dictates their socio-economic future. Studies have found a few key conditions caused by indoor air pollution that closely correlate to school performance.

Reduced Cognitive Function

A 2021 study by Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers identified a connection between the cognitive function of in-office employees and workplace indoor air quality. The study included employees across multiple countries, age groups and professions. They tracked levels of indoor air pollution over time and employees were given a short test periodically throughout the day. 

The results of this study revealed that when indoor air pollution was higher, employees showed lower cognitive function. They took longer to respond to questions on the tests, answered fewer questions correctly and needed more help to focus. These symptoms may not be obvious at first glance, but the Harvard study revealed a clear pattern across numerous offices and industries. 

HIGHER RATES OF
HEADACHES AND FATIGUE

In addition to diminished cognitive function, students can also suffer from increased rates of headaches and fatigue due to poor IAQ. Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a condition that causes illness triggered by the poor indoor air quality in a particular building. People can tell when they are suffering from SBS if their symptoms improve when they go outside.

Sick Building Syndrome causes headaches and fatigue, as well as flu and cold-like symptoms. As a result, students and staff may even be prompted to take a sick day, thinking they have a cold, only to feel better once they get home. Reduced productivity in students and teachers who suffer from SBS accounts for a large portion of this estimated economic impact.

 

Stress and distraction

Poor indoor air quality can increase stress levels and distraction in students, teachers, and staff, resulting in poor productivity. While many factors can cause stress in the workplace, poor indoor air quality only worsens things. This isn’t just caused by air pollution, but also poor temperature and humidity management.

Thermal discomfort occurs when indoor temperatures are too high or low. Of course, different people have different temperatures they prefer to work/learn in — some like their workspace to lean cold, while others prefer it warm. Additionally, different body types adapt to indoor temperatures differently. However, facility managers are generally recommended to keep indoor temperatures between 68° and 76° Fahrenheit.

When the school strays outside this ideal temperature range, employees are more likely to experience stress and distractibility from thermal discomfort. Humidity can exaggerate indoor temperatures, as well. High humidity can worsen excessive heat and increase air pollution, potentially causing mold to accumulate in ventilation systems.

  IAQ/PM CALL TO ACTION

DAILY EXPOSURE TO TOXIC MOLDS, PATHOGENIC VIRUSES AND BACTERIA,
FUNGI, AND VOCS IMPACT WELL-BEING, INCREASING ABSENTEEISM, AND REDUCES
ATTENTION AND FOCUS, DECREASING TEST PERFORMANCE SCORES OF STUDENTS

Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is top of mind for schools as they continue their efforts to protect students, teachers and staff coming out of the pandemic. However, the benefits of IAQ extend far beyond what the covid-19 pandemic exposed about poor IAQ/PM conditions in schools.

Schools are prioritizing their IAQ/PM to prevent the negative consequences, and more importantly, promote student health and performance. Clean air is essential to our health.

Air pollutants can contribute to a range of short-term symptoms, such as eye, nose and throat irritation and headaches, as well as long-term adverse health outcomes, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and respiratory issues. They can even play a role in premature mortality: air pollution is considered one of the greatest killers of our generation. Children are especially vulnerable to air pollution’s adverse effects due to their developing bodies and behaviors.

HEALTHY AIR, HEALTHY MINDS

GROWING EVIDENCE POOR IAQ/PM EXPOSURE
NEGATIVELY AFFECTS CHILDREN’S NEURODEVELOPMENT

Air quality isn’t just important for physical health. Growing evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution negatively affects children’s neurodevelopment. Research has also linked better air quality to higher productivity and better performance among students, such as improved concentration and test scores.

 

IAQ/PM CONCERNS IN SCHOOLS

AN ESTIMATED 41% OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS NEED TO UPDATE
OR ENACT IAQ/PM PRACTICES AND PROTOCOLS IN AT LEAST
HALF OF THEIR SCHOOLS, REPRESENTING ABOUT 36,000
PUBLIC SCHOOLS (GRADES K-12) NATIONWIDE
THAT IAQ/PM IMPROVEMENTS.

Nearly 57.5 million students and school employees enter the doors of our nation’s schools every day. According to estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, half of these adults and children spend their school days breathing air polluted with toxic chemicals, mold, viruses, bacteria, asbestos, pesticides, smog and particulates from vehicle pollution, and more. Despite efforts by school employees and their unions to improve indoor environmental quality in classrooms and other school buildings, many of the conditions that cause unhealthy indoor air and environmental quality continue to plague our nation’s schools.

An estimated 41% of school districts need to update or enact IAQ/PM practices and protocols in at least half of their schools, representing about 36,000 public schools (grades K-12) nationwide that IAQ/PM improvements. According to the last School Health Policies and Practices Study (SHPPS) conducted by the CDC, only 48.9% schools reported implementation of indoor air quality management programs in 2016. However, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, many schools across the nation are now prioritizing IAQ.

 

IMPACT OF POOR IAQ/PM

SHORT AND LONG TERM NEAGATIVE HEALTH EFFECTS, POOR SCHOOL
PERFORMANCE, AND FUTURE SOCIOECONOMIC RISK.

Allergens & Asthma Triggers

Increases the severity and frequency of asthma, allergies and other respiratory illnesses. Asthma often accompanies allergies, and asthma symptoms in the lungs and airways can be triggered by the same allergens. Seasonal pollen allergies are linked to poorer cognitive performance, which can affect educational outcomes, leading to higher dropout rates, limiting students’ long-term potential and earning power. In fact, researchers have found that students score worse on tests (lowers student scores on standardized math and reading tests) when mold spore counts are high or when they are experiencing allergy symptoms.

Dampness and Mold

Building dampness and mold in schools have been associated with increased respiratory health symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and allergic rhinitis; greater prevalence of asthma; and respiratory-related absenteeism. A study of over 1,000 school children found that the concentration of mold found in floor dust was associated with headache, dizziness, and concentration problems. In the U.S., allergic rhinitis causes about two million – and asthma about seven million – missed school days per year among children and adolescents. In fact, asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism in the U.S. due to chronic illness.

Aids Transmission of Viruses and Bacteria

Resulting in more colds, flu and serious infectious diseases, such as pertussis or tuberculosis

Can Raise the Risk of Long-Term, Even Life-Threatening Illnesses

Such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, particularly among school employees

Results in Higher Medical Bills

Due to more doctor visits for all chronic issues and acute episodes. Undue financial impact.

Increases School Employee Dissatisfaction and Staff Turnover

Constantly in fear of health consequences of poor IAQ/PM.

The underlying conditions in schools that cause poor indoor air and environmental quality harm not only the health of students and school employees, they also limit academic achievement and teacher and staff productivity.

Whether inadequate ventilation, deferred maintenance or toxic chemicals are making the air unhealthy in any particular school, these conditions result in a variety of common problems that the educational system must grapple with every day.

  IAQ/PM CALL TO ACTION

DAILY EXPOSURE TO TOXIC MOLDS, PATHOGENIC VIRUSES AND BACTERIA, FUNGI, AND VOCS IMPACT WELL-BEING, INCREASING ABSENTEEISM, AND REDUCES ATTENTION AND FOCUS, DECREASING TEST PERFORMANCE SCORES OF STUDENTS.

Improving indoor air quality (IAQ) is top of mind for schools as they continue their efforts to protect students, teachers and staff coming out of the pandemic. However, the benefits of IAQ extend far beyond what the covid-19 pandemic exposed about poor IAQ/PM conditions in schools.

Schools are prioritizing their IAQ/PM to prevent the negative consequences, and more importantly, promote student health and performance. Clean air is essential to our health.

Air pollutants can contribute to a range of short-term symptoms, such as eye, nose and throat irritation and headaches, as well as long-term adverse health outcomes, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and respiratory issues. They can even play a role in premature mortality: air pollution is considered one of the greatest killers of our generation. Children are especially vulnerable to air pollution’s adverse effects due to their developing bodies and behaviors.

HEALTHY AIR, HEALTHY MINDS

GROWING EVIDENCE POOR IAQ/PM EXPOSURE NEGATIVELY AFFECTS CHILDREN’S NEURODEVELOPMENT

Air quality isn’t just important for physical health. Growing evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution negatively affects children’s neurodevelopment. Research has also linked better air quality to higher productivity and better performance among students, such as improved concentration and test scores.

 

IAQ/PM CONCERNS IN SCHOOLS
AN ESTIMATED 41% OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS NEED TO UPDATE OR ENACT IAQ/PM PRACTICES AND PROTOCOLS IN AT LEAST HALF OF THEIR SCHOOLS, REPRESENTING ABOUT 36,000 PUBLIC SCHOOLS (GRADES K-12) NATIONWIDE THAT IAQ/PM IMPROVEMENTS.

Nearly 57.5 million students and school employees enter the doors of our nation’s schools every day. According to estimates from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, half of these adults and children spend their school days breathing air polluted with toxic chemicals, mold, viruses, bacteria, asbestos, pesticides, smog and particulates from vehicle pollution, and more. Despite efforts by school employees and their unions to improve indoor environmental quality in classrooms and other school buildings, many of the conditions that cause unhealthy indoor air and environmental quality continue to plague our nation’s schools.

An estimated 41% of school districts need to update or enact IAQ/PM practices and protocols in at least half of their schools, representing about 36,000 public schools (grades K-12) nationwide that IAQ/PM improvements. According to the last School Health Policies and Practices Study (SHPPS) conducted by the CDC, only 48.9% schools reported implementation of indoor air quality management programs in 2016. However, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, many schools across the nation are now prioritizing IAQ.

IMPACT OF POOR IAQ/PM

SHORT AND LONG TERM NEAGATIVE HEALTH EFFECTS, POOR SCHOOL PERFORMANCE, AND FUTURE SOCIOECONOMIC RISK.

  • Allergens & Asthma Triggers

Increases the severity and frequency of asthma, allergies and other respiratory illnesses. Asthma often accompanies allergies, and asthma symptoms in the lungs and airways can be triggered by the same allergens. Seasonal pollen allergies are linked to poorer cognitive performance, which can affect educational outcomes, leading to higher dropout rates, limiting students’ long-term potential and earning power. In fact, researchers have found that students score worse on tests (lowers student scores on standardized math and reading tests) when mold spore counts are high or when they are experiencing allergy symptoms.

  • Dampness and Mold

Building dampness and mold in schools have been associated with increased respiratory health symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and allergic rhinitis; greater prevalence of asthma; and respiratory-related absenteeism. A study of over 1,000 school children found that the concentration of mold found in floor dust was associated with headache, dizziness, and concentration problems. In the U.S., allergic rhinitis causes about two million – and asthma about seven million – missed school days per year among children and adolescents. In fact, asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism in the U.S. due to chronic illness.

  • Aids Transmission of Viruses and Bacteria

Resulting in more colds, flu and serious infectious diseases, such as pertussis or tuberculosis

  • Can Raise the Risk of Long-Term, Even Life-Threatening Illnesses

Such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, particularly among school employees

  • Results in Higher Medical Bills

Due to more doctor visits for all chronic issues and acute episodes. Undue financial impact.

  • Increases School Employee Dissatisfaction and Staff Turnover

Constantly in fear of health consequences of poor IAQ/PM.

The underlying conditions in schools that cause poor indoor air and environmental quality harm not only the health of students and school employees, they also limit academic achievement and teacher and staff productivity.

Whether inadequate ventilation, deferred maintenance or toxic chemicals are making the air unhealthy in any particular school, these conditions result in a variety of common problems that the educational system must grapple with every day.

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FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS

CONGRESS HAS APPROVED BILLIONS TO HELP COMBAT THE IAQ/PM
CRISIS THAT SUPPORTS WHITE HOUSE IAQ/PM INITIATIVE FOR
NATIONWIDE IAQ/PM IMPROVEMENTS TO FACILITIES .

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
ESSER AND GEER

Funds provided through the U.S. Department of Education’s Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund programs and the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) programs and the Department of Health and Humans Services’ Head Start and Child Care American Rescue Plan can support improvements to ventilation; testing, repairs, upgrades and replacements in HVAC systems.

 

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL
RECOVERY FUNDS

States and local governments can draw on $350 billion to improve ventilation systems in buildings where people are gathering, including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, office buildings, commercial buildings, multifamily residential buildings and transportation hubs. This funding can be used for the assessment, updates, repairs, installation and other projects to improve ventilation and indoor air quality in buildings. Funds must be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent by Dec. 31, 2026. The Treasury Department recommends that recipients ensure that the inspection, testing, commissioning, maintenance, repair, replacement and upgrading of ventilation systems are performed by a skilled, trained and certified workforce. An overview of this funding is available on the Treasury Department’s website, and its guidance regarding how the funds can be used to assess and improve ventilation systems is outlined on pages 16-19.

 

BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW
FUNDS TO IMPROVE INDOOR AIR
QUALITY IN BUILDINGS

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides billions of dollars for different types of buildings to improve ventilation and indoor air quality. This includes a $500 million grant program titled Renew America’s Schools. The funding can be used by schools to update HVAC systems. The opportunity to apply for funding opened in November 2022. Information about the program is available here.

 

INFLATION REDUCTION ACT

The Inflation Reduction Act includes $50 million for the Environmental Protection Agency to assist schools to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Of those funds, $37.5 million is available via grants for schools in low-income and disadvantaged communities to monitor and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and $12.5 million will be available via technical assistance to help schools address environmental issues, mitigate ongoing air pollution hazards, and develop school environmental quality plans that include standards for school building design, construction and renovation.

 

EL PASO SCHOOL DISTRICT SECURES $34.6 MILLION
GRANT TO UPGRADE SAFETY MEASURES

El Paso Independent School District was awarded a $34.6 million grant by the Texas Education Agency. The grant is part of the Safety and Facilities Enhancement program. EPISD was awarded the second-highest SAFE Grant to keep the schools within the district safe. Chief Manuel Chavira for EPISD Police Department said they will use the money to improve existing safety measures on their campuses. Chavira added that all campuses meet the mandated requirements. However, some have outdated technology. “The average age of our campuses is over 50 years old and along with that we have also a lot of our technology is almost just as old,” Chief Chavira said. 

The El Paso Independent School District is the largest school district serving El Paso, Texas. Originally organized in 1883, it is currently the largest district in the Texas Education Agency’s Educational Service Center Region 19, as well as the largest district within the city of El Paso and El Paso County.

 FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS

CONGRESS HAS APPROVED BILLIONS TO HELP COMBAT THE IAQ/PM CRISIS THAT SUPPORTS WHITE HOUSE IAQ/PM INITIATIVE FOR NATIONWIDE IAQ/PM IMPROVEMENTS TO FACILITIES.

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN
ACT ESSER AND GEER
 

Funds provided through the U.S. Department of Education’s Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund programs and the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) programs and the Department of Health and Humans Services’ Head Start and Child Care American Rescue Plan can support improvements to ventilation; testing, repairs, upgrades and replacements in HVAC systems.

 

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN
ACT STATE AND LOCAL
FISCAL RECOVERY FUNDS
 

States and local governments can draw on $350 billion to improve ventilation systems in buildings where people are gathering, including schools, hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, office buildings, commercial buildings, multifamily residential buildings and transportation hubs. This funding can be used for the assessment, updates, repairs, installation and other projects to improve ventilation and indoor air quality in buildings. Funds must be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent by Dec. 31, 2026. The Treasury Department recommends that recipients ensure that the inspection, testing, commissioning, maintenance, repair, replacement and upgrading of ventilation systems are performed by a skilled, trained and certified workforce. An overview of this funding is available on the Treasury Department’s website, and its guidance regarding how the funds can be used to assess and improve ventilation systems is outlined on pages 16-19.

 

BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE
LAW FUNDS TO IMPROVE
IAQ/PM IN BUILDINGS
 

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides billions of dollars for different types of buildings to improve ventilation and indoor air quality. This includes a $500 million grant program titled Renew America’s Schools. The funding can be used by schools to update HVAC systems. The opportunity to apply for funding opened in November 2022. Information about the program is available here.

 

INFLATION REDUCTION ACT
 

The Inflation Reduction Act includes $50 million for the Environmental Protection Agency to assist schools to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Of those funds, $37.5 million is available via grants for schools in low-income and disadvantaged communities to monitor and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and $12.5 million will be available via technical assistance to help schools address environmental issues, mitigate ongoing air pollution hazards, and develop school environmental quality plans that include standards for school building design, construction and renovation.

 

EL PASO SCHOOL DISTRICT
SECURES $34.6 MILLION
GRANT TO UPGRADE
SAFETY MEASURES
 

El Paso Independent School District was awarded a $34.6 million grant by the Texas Education Agency. The grant is part of the Safety and Facilities Enhancement program. EPISD was awarded the second-highest SAFE Grant to keep the schools within the district safe. Chief Manuel Chavira for EPISD Police Department said they will use the money to improve existing safety measures on their campuses. Chavira added that all campuses meet the mandated requirements. However, some have outdated technology. “The average age of our campuses is over 50 years old and along with that we have also a lot of our technology is almost just as old,” Chief Chavira said. 

The El Paso Independent School District is the largest school district serving El Paso, Texas. Originally organized in 1883, it is currently the largest district in the Texas Education Agency’s Educational Service Center Region 19, as well as the largest district within the city of El Paso and El Paso County.