Engineers, architects, school officials to 'clear the air' around HVAC and student performance

Wednesday, March 9, 2022 | Written by Greg Tammen

 

OLATHE — Engineers, architects and school officials are looking at improving K-12 students' test scores and attendance by improving the air quality in classrooms.

Clearing the Air: The Future of Healthy Schools is from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 6 at Kansas State University's Olathe campus. The half-day workshop brings together leaders and experts from industry, professional engineering organizations and education to discuss HVAC design, operation, maintenance and assessment in classrooms.

"Healthy environments are linked to improved attendance and improved test scores for students," said Paul Karr, director of engineering programs at K-State Olathe. "Because of this connection to academic achievement, maintaining existing facilities and designing new buildings take on a higher purpose in the overall mission of education and health for young people."

HVAC experts will share best practices and guidance for school district employees and administrators. Funding strategies, such as the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, also will be explored.

These topics will be discussed by representatives from BranchPattern; Gould Evans; Henderson Engineers; the Kansas City chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, or KC ASHRAE; Kansas Department of Education; and P1 Group Inc. These businesses and organizations also are sponsors.

"We all benefit from hearing what others are doing in our industries," Karr said. "The experts we have brought together for this mini-conference will bring a greater diversity of thought and practice to this subject matter. We are excited to serve our friends in the surrounding school districts by hosting this event."

The event is free for school district staff.

Learn more and register at olathe.k-state.edu/healthyschools.