We want to assure a clean, safe environment now and into the future for all of our schools. The community of Ashland made that possible by passing our current Bond in 2018 with the promise that our schools will have some of the best air handling equipment available. We have begun HVAC upgrades at some sites and have planned projects across the District to deliver on the Bond promise for high quality, durable HVAC at every site.

The Bond Executive Team has undergone thorough evaluation of systems and criteria for establishing strategies for implementation. The strategies have been developed from engaging industrial hygienists, three mechanical engineering firms and commissioning agents.

All district buildings will be upgraded with systems that:

Air Changes:
- Buildings will have between 3-7 air changes per hours, depending on the spaces. For example, the air will be replaced with filtered air every 8-20 minutes.
Provide fresh air (outside air)
- All systems in the district will have Direct Digital Controls (DDC) that monitor fresh air intake and modulate based on needs. At night, there will be system flushes that pull air out and replace with fresh outside air. Additionally, during occupied hours, there will be an outside air change 2-3 times per hour.
Have air filtration (MERV13 filtration)
- All systems will be designed to accommodate MERV 13 filters. Last summer, the board receiving a presentation from a firm who consulted with ASHRAE on best practices, which assisted our development of these strategies. The attached graphics illustrate the effectiveness of MERV rating on various micron levels.
Provide Cooling
- Many district buildings do not have cooling, including AHS Gymnasium and BES Gymnasium. All buildings, when bond projects are complete, will have cooling.
Digitally controlled, with remote access:
- DDC controls allow the district to monitor and respond to conditions in HVAC equipment and building spaces. Control points are added to fans, dampers, Co2 monitors, thermostats, etc. These data points are programmed to respond to the needs of spaces. For example, if Co2 levels rise in a classroom, the program will call for outside air louvers to increase outside air and return air louvers to reduce return air.
Commissioned and functioning within a close temperature swing
- HVAC systems can be incredibly complicated, especially with the addition of DDC controls and efficiency requirements. The district has hired independent third-party consultants to test and verify that the system is not only installed correctly, but operates as it is intended.

Clean Air For Kids - Air Quality Matters

HOW DO OUR SCHOOLS PROVIDE CLEAN AIR?

BOND IMPROVEMENTS

WHEN IS IT SAFE FOR STUDENTS TO GO OUTSIDE?

SUPPLEMENTAL AIR FILTER DONATIONS