The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized the district for working to improve indoor air quality

Contact: Haley Miller (336) 370-3200
Created: 9/3/2009 10:23:58 AM

Guilford County Schools (GCS) is a recipient of the 2009 Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Great Start Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The district received the award for its commitment to improving student health. Recently, GCS formed an indoor air quality project team that will be leading the district's efforts in identifying, correcting and preventing indoor air quality problems.

During the 2009-10 school year, the project team will work to implement EPA's IAQ Tools for Schools program, a comprehensive resource that helps districts maintain a healthy environment in school buildings. Additionally, the team is developing a written indoor air quality management plan that will capture best practices for handling air quality issues.

The award from the EPA comes weeks after GCS had to temporarily relocate Oak Ridge Elementary students due to air quality concerns at the school. GCS hopes the new team and their efforts will help the district stay proactive.

"As a district, we want to make sure we stay on top of any environmental concerns," said Leo Bobadilla, chief operations officer. "The health of our students is always our number-one priority. We know a safe and comfortable learning environment can help our students excel in the classroom."

The EPA gives the Great Start Award to school districts every year for committing to improve the indoor air quality in schools and protecting the health and safety of students and staff.

As an award recipient, GCS will receive a "Commitment to School Health" certificate signed by an EPA official; recognition on EPA's Web site; access to topical web conference calls, training, events and recognition/mentoring opportunities; and regular e-mail updates aimed at advancing the district's indoor air quality program.