Lawmakers Concerned About Air Quality At Oklahoma Schools

Some Oklahoma lawmakers are raising concerns about the air quality in schools across the state as many districts continue to make plans on when to return to the classroom in the fall.

The Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus is at the forefront of these concerns. A new article from Oklahoma Watch says not much can be done to improve air quality and schools will have to rely on existing equipment to filter out coronavirus particles. According to the Journal Record the caucus says schools should meet ventilation standards recommended by the CDC before the school bell rings this fall. Engineers recommend filters that can capture airborne viruses but this could be costly for schools and may have to be paid for through a bond issue.

Many districts are receiving emergency federal relief but there's not enough money to cover HVAC improvements. Tulsa Public Schools will use money from a 2015 bond to spend 300,000 dollars to upgrade HVAC systems at more than 30 schools.

TPS leaders will meet with health officials this week and are expected to decide how school will resume in the fall next week.