Since the return of in-person classes after the Christmas break, parents in the Wild Rose School Division have been raising questions about the air filters being used in schools, especially with COVID numbers continually rising.

The Division’s director of facilities spent some time discussing the various air handling equipment currently used in the Wild Rose School Division during a Board meeting on Jan 18.

When asked if the Wild Rose School Division is bringing in additional air filters in addition to what schools are already equipped with, such as HEPA or HV filters, director of maintenance and facilities, Mike Lundstrom, said not as this time.

“Our board is currently following the HVAC recommendations provided to us by the Alberta government and will continue to review new information they provide regarding HEPA and HV filters in schools.”

Even though COVID-19 cases counts are still on the rise, Lundstrom said, “Given the number of variables that effect the spread of viruses in buildings and also the effectiveness of such filters, it is difficult to quantify the effectiveness of reducing the spread in schools.”

When asked if such air filters would help slow the spread in schools, Lundtsrom replied, “There is a variety of air handling equipment and systems designs used through the school division and the Wild Rose School Division’s HVAC systems that meet or exceed the provincial standards that were designed under and are maintained and monitored at regular intervals. During the pandemic, the HVAC schedules have been extended to purge the learning spaces before students and staff arrive and also after students have left the facility for the day. This process helps dilute and remove contaminants from the building, ensuring clean fresh air for all the occupants.”

“All learning spaces in WRSD are provided with mechanical ventilation,” added Lundtsrom. “This means the HVAC equipment has dampers that introduce outdoor air into the air that is delivered into the building.”