New HVAC systems will improve air quality in classrooms

This fall, every school in Grants Pass School District 7 will have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

In June of 2020, the Board of Education and the budget committee approved of the District securing a low-interest loan to complete these upgrades at Allen Dale Elementary School, Highland Elementary School, Riverside Elementary School, North Middle School, and South Middle School.

“Studies show that indoor air quality and temperature can have a direct impact on the learning environment,” Chief Finance and Operations Officer, Sherry Ely said. “This project will not only improve comfort for our students and staff, it will improve air quality. If we have another wildfire season, we won’t be hampered by the fact that we have kids in classrooms with windows closed due to smoke, and no air conditioning.”

The primary contractor, Ameresco Inc., will be on-site installing these upgrades throughout the summer break, with fine-tuning and follow-up work continuing into the 2021-22 school year.