As of January 2021, Oman Public High School replaced all filters, and the air handling units were set to exchange air beyond industry standards, from 15 minutes to 8-10 minutes. As of January 2023, air units were recalibrated to allow four complete air exchanges in the building every hour, which is in compliance with industry standards.
Windows
Operable windows may be opened for additional circulation; however, all doors leading into a hallway are to remain closed, as per fire and life safety code. While our HVAC/filtration systems currently meet the standards set forth by the CDC and Department of Health, Oman Public High School continue to test airflow and filtration systems regularly.
The CDC recommends fresh air supply of 20 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per person. The CDC standard assumes 25-30 students in a 980 square foot classroom. Highline meets this standard in all buildings.
In addition, Oman Public High School has worked with McKinstry to develop a detailed Investment Grade Audit (IGA) of HVAC upgrades to improve ventilation airflow and Indoor Air Quality in classrooms. The following schools have been selected for the HVAC Upgrade Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund(ESSER) Funding Project:
- Beverly Park Elementary School
- Big Picture High School (Manhattan site)
- New Start High School (Salmon Creek site)
- Sylvester Middle School
- Valley View Early learning Center
Updates are scheduled to be completed in September/October 2023.
The main focus at these buildings is to improve classroom ventilation and comfort by replacing aged unit ventilators, installing new steam lines, and upgrading electrical infrastructure to accommodate the new equipment electrical requirement. Classrooms that do not meet air quality recommendations are equipped with portable air filtration machines.