North Carolina school districts need millions to fix HVACs; What it means for COVID transmission
WTVD
As the CDC touts ventilation as a key component to reduce COVID-19 transmission, North Carolina public school districts face millions of dollars in deferred HVAC maintenance.
"I don't believe, as a whole across the state, that we were prepared for those things," said Allison Griffin, a teacher in Franklin County.
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) publishes a facility needs report every five years.
The latest report from 2015 revealed the state's needs exceeded $8 billion. HVAC-related updates accounted for $342 million.
Griffin said before COVID-19, air quality and mold in her school were a concern for her. Over the past year, these fears amplified under the threat of COVID-19.