Building Upgrades & Maintenance
Since the temporary closure, we have taken comprehensive steps to enhance the building’s safety, ventilation, and overall environment. From critical equipment repairs to deep cleaning protocols, improvements were made to prioritize students and staff safety and peace of mind.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors Installed
To provide enhanced situational awareness and to provide additional peace of mind to students, teachers, staff and parents, new carbon monoxide detectors have been installed in every classroom throughout the building. Additional carbon monoxide detectors have also been installed in the auditorium, cafeteria, boiler room, and throughout the building's common spaces.
Converting Kitchen To Electric Appliances
To provide additional reassurance and safety considerations, the Covington Middle School cafeteria kitchen will be converted from gas appliances to electric appliances. This will require some additional wiring and physical plant adjustments. Until those upgrades are complete, the school's nutrition staff will be preparing food at Mountain View Elementary School and using electric food warmers to ensure students continue to be served high-quality meals.
Ongoing Air Quality Monitoring and Assessments
AHPS is making plans to conduct an additional independent air quality assessment now that the building is once again occupied. Additional information will be shared in the coming days. AHPS has also purchased a portable Q-Trak machine to allow for ongoing monitoring of temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide levels inside its buildings.
New Reports
Mechanical Upgrades
Air Handler Repairs (RTU-4)
The school’s third-floor air handler system was repaired. Plans are also in place to replace that entire rooftop system over the summer break.
Gas Oven Removal
The inefficient kitchen oven was removed and the gas line was capped to eliminate future risk. A replacement oven was ordered but quickly sent back as staff decided they would prefer to pursue a full kitchen conversion to electric appliances.
Hood Tune-up
The kitchen exhaust system, including the hood, received a full tune-up, restoring proper ventilation levels and improving air circulation in the school’s food prep area.