Building Upgrades & Maintenance
Since the temporary closure, we have taken 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.
Following the April 8 Occupied Building Report from ECS, AHPS took additional steps to further enhance ventilation and air quality throughout the building starting with procuring a high-performance air handling unit and ventilation system to replace the RTU-4. The Tempmaster by JCI 100% Make-up Air unit has been ordered and will be installed upon arrival.
In the meantime, window units have also been ordered and will be installed as soon as possible to improve air flow in affected classrooms more immediately.
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors Installed
As an extra safety measure, 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
The Covington Middle School cafeteria kitchen has removed gas appliances and will convert 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 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. Maintenance staff will use this new equipment to routinely monitor air quality across all AHPS buildings.
New Reports
Mechanical Upgrades
Window Units
CMS will immediately install window units in affected classrooms as a temporary measure to support ventilation while the RTU-4 replacement is in progress.
Air Handler (RTU-4)
The existing third-floor air handling unit (RTU-4), previously repaired in March, is now being fully replaced with modern ventilation equipment that meets a higher performance standard. This upgrade is part of a long-term commitment to improved indoor air quality, ventilation, and system reliability.
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 all 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.