Teacher raises concerns about building air‑quality testing timeline and district communication

A Durham Public Schools teacher told the board she and colleagues were alarmed by the district’s handling of indoor air‑quality (IAQ) testing at her building and asked for clearer, faster communication to parents and staff. Katie McDonald said the district ordered initial IAQ testing on Aug. 21 but that full, validated results were not available to staff until Sept. 8; she said staff were told on Aug. 28 that the building was safe although the final report had not been received. Why she spoke: McDonald said she sought medical attention after symptoms and that staff and families were left uncertain about the building’s safety. She said an immune‑compromised child has not been to school for three weeks because the teacher kept the student home for protection. “That reality terrifies me,” she told the board. Timeline and concerns presented: McDonald said raw air‑sample reports were delivered to the district on Aug. 22 and that the district asked for a fuller report. She said a district official, Dr. Hogan, told staff on Aug. 28 the building was safe; McDonald said she later learned the district did not have the complete results until Sept. 8 when she contacted the testing firm (SNME). She said if not for a staff colleague insisting on testing, the samples might never have been taken. District response and requests: McDonald thanked a supportive school leader and asked the board to ensure timely testing and transparent communication across schools—particularly in older buildings. She also asked the board to prioritize staff and student health in follow‑up decisions. Board follow‑up: Superintendent Lewis and other officials heard the testimony; no formal action or immediate remediation plan was recorded during the work session. Board members asked about wider testing and how district leadership will respond in other older schools.