Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Facilities Hvac topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Contractor warns of ventilation shortfalls and code concerns at district schools
Summary
A commenter with HVAC experience told the board he found ventilation problems and code noncompliance in district school buildings, called Rio Rancho High School the worst facility he’d seen in 35 years and said the district relies on mechanical ventilation that needs proper design and exhaust.
At the Sept. 22 board meeting, commenter Chris Vanden Pebble (identified as having worked in HVAC and procurement) raised concerns about ventilation and indoor air quality in district school buildings. Vanden Pebble said the district’s rooftop units lack meaningful exhaust and that some classroom HVAC configurations may not deliver the outside air required by mechanical code. He said the ventilation — the “V” in HVAC — is neglected and likened the consequences to an OSHA issue if oxygen is depleted in public spaces.
Vanden Pebble described his experience working at Albuquerque Public Schools and in mechanical procurement and said he briefly worked at Rio Rancho High School two years ago, calling it “probably the worst facility I’ve ever seen in my 35 years.” He offered to return to explain code citations in more detail and said he would leave supporting materials with the board.
Board staff thanked him for coming and invited him to leave documents. The board did not take action at the meeting; Vanden Pebble’s remarks were part of public comment and the district said staff would accept any materials he left for follow-up.
