Asthma & School Indoor Air Quality

Financing Improved IAQ

The expense and effort required to prevent most IAQ problems is much less than the expense and effort required to resolve problems after they develop. (EPA, 2000)

“Anytime we have dollars available for maintenance issues, we try to channel some toward taking carpet out or replacing carpet… We regularly monitor the air quality, using a computer driven system.” —Dr. William Dean, superintendent, Frederick County, VA

While many IAQ solutions are low-cost or require no additional direct cost to schools, some big budget improvements such as repairs to large systems like roofs, flooring, windows, lighting, or ventilation cannot be avoided. Possible funding sources are:

• The school budget—the capital budget, the operating budget, money from grants, rebates, or fundraisers.
• Linking IAQ improvements to energy-efficiency upgrades—particularly upgrades to the heating, ventilating, and cooling (HVAC) systems.
• Third-party financing and tax-exempt lease-purchase agreements.
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants

“We just passed a $25 million code compliance bond and a $22.5 million Building and Technology bond. We put in a Med-Assist System as part of the latter. It tracks air intake, preventive maintenance, etc. for the whole system. This allows us to find problems before they happen. We use IAQ in a partnership with our insurance company. It’s a pretty decent program.” —Dr. Michael Frechette, superintendent, Norwich (CT) Public School

The EPA’s IAQ Tools for Schools is an excellent, results-oriented tool. With support from EPA, AASA offers an internet presentation for school leaders on financing good indoor air quality. Call 703-875-0731 for more information.