Portland Public Schools faces air purifier controversy amid whooping cough outbreak

Concerns over air quality in Portland schools took center stage at the Portland School District 1J Board of Education meeting, as parents and educators voiced their frustrations regarding the district's handling of air purifiers. The discussions highlighted a critical issue: the donation of 2,000 air purifiers to Los Angeles schools, which many believe should have been allocated to Portland classrooms first.

Dr. Greathouse, an environmental scientist and parent, expressed disappointment over the board's decision to send air purifiers to LA while Portland schools, particularly Lincoln High School, are facing significant air quality challenges. "Lincoln has not had any air purifiers for nearly two years," she stated, emphasizing the urgency of ensuring safe air for students amid a whooping cough outbreak.

The meeting revealed that the air purifiers in question, specifically the IntelliPure units, may not be suitable for classroom use without proper guidance. Dr. Greathouse raised concerns about the hidden ionizer feature on these units, which could potentially worsen indoor air quality. "Teachers need to know how to safely use these units," she warned, urging the board to pause further donations until a comprehensive air quality plan is established.

Dr. Rachel Rochester, another concerned parent and educator, echoed these sentiments, calling for a collaborative approach to air quality solutions. "We need to filter the air in our classrooms, libraries, and health centers," she insisted, highlighting the importance of effective air filtration for student health and academic performance.

The board's decision to donate air purifiers to LA has sparked a debate about prioritizing local needs versus responding to external crises. As the meeting concluded, parents and educators urged the board to reconsider its approach and focus on ensuring that Portland schools have the necessary resources to provide safe and healthy learning environments for all students.