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Air quality issues prompt Ahwatukee school closure
As Kyrene School District officials say they will find classrooms at a nearby school for kids affected by the temporary closure of an elementary school campus in Ahwatukee, FOX 10's Steve Nielsen is taking a look at the building's air quality, and what experts say it could mean.
PHOENIX - Officials with the Kyrene School District announced on Aug. 3 that one of their elementary school campuses in the Ahwatukee area of Phoenix will be closed through fall break.
What we know:
Per a notice that is posted to the school's website, officials say students at Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School will move to remote learning, starting on August 4, due to concerns over air quality.
"Multiple air quality tests conducted over the weekend inside the school indicated elevated particulate levels. This does not mean the particulates are harmful or even that the levels are harmful. However, official results of the air quality tests will take 5-7 days, and we will not take any risks with staff and student health," read a portion of the notice.
According to the notice, the school is undergoing a roof construction project. The school year began on July 23, and officials said children noticed a smell.
"We were hearing from our staff as well, so that prompted us to take a closer look," said Erin Helm with the district.
Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School sign
Dig deeper:
School officials say regardless of results from the air quality tests, students will not return to campus until after fall break. The school's fall break is set to start on Monday, September 29, and end on Friday, October 10.
"This will allow us to expedite roof construction so the portion of the work involving asphalt and off-gassing would be complete by October, when students return to campus," read a portion of the statement.
On Aug. 4, school district officials released their plans for the coming weeks.
"All students should have received assignments from teachers [on Monday] for independent work at home," read a portion of the website. "Additional assignments will be provided tomorrow and Wednesday for independent learning. Thank you for your patience with this, as the district is working to support teachers as they prepare to provide some level of live, online learning Thursday and Friday."
In addition, district officials said all non-preschool students at Sierra will be relocated to the shared campus of Kyrene de los Cerritos Leadership Academy and Kyrene Altadeña Middle School, starting on Aug. 11. Preschool students will be relocated to Kyrene de la Esperanza Elementary School.
Local perspective:
On Monday, some parents scrambled to make alternative plans with their children.
"We're doing everything we can to keep him entertained, and still make it educational," said Kate Fullmer.
Fullmer and her son, Duncan, were at Ironwood Library during school hours. Duncan had started kindergarten at Kyrene de la Sierra in July.
"I was freaking out a little bit," said Fullmer. "I work. My partner works, so we're just trying to do the best we can, and make sure he doesn't fall behind."
Expert Perspective:
We spoke with Joanna Strother with the American Lung Association about air quality, and she said particles in the air can cause serious issues.
"Really, breathing in any of these particles can cause asthma episodes, cardiovascular disease, or worsening and even long-term exposure can lead to lung cancer," said Strother.
Air quality in schools is something they have been looking at for years because of how important it is, for many reasons.
"Sometimes when you have poor air quality in schools, it can increase absenteeism for students and staff if they're always sick, especially vulnerable people, like people with asthma," said Strother.
What's next:
District officials said the issue related to Kyrene de la Sierra's roof will be discussed during a governing board meeting on Aug. 5.
Kyrene de la Sierra Roof Replacement