Students and teachers describe unsafe and unhealthy conditions at Argyle and other schools

At the April 10 Montgomery County Board of Education meeting, students and staff described unsafe or unhealthy physical conditions at several schools, pressing the district for repairs and improvements.

Joy Viola, an eighth grader at Argyle Magnet Middle School, told the board that “the air quality isn't just bad, it's unhealthy,” and described classrooms that fluctuate between too cold and too hot, doors that “don't even lock properly,” narrow and crowded hallways, and a single main‑floor bathroom that causes long delays when it is out of service. She said the combination of ventilation problems and unreliable classroom security “is a serious security risk that needs immediate attention.”

Instrumental music teacher Matthew Wellson (transcript: Wellzin/Wellson) told the board his Argyle classroom was evacuated this year because it filled with smoke, has no operable windows, requires a dehumidifier running continuously to prevent mold, and suffers electrical failures affecting lights and device charging. He said his room has “one of the highest” volatile organic compound readings in the building and that the HVAC is controlled by a 30‑minute dial that is inadequate for the climate issues he described.

Zara Saint Paul, a student in Seneca Valley’s architecture program, praised recent renovations at her school and said modern, well‑designed facilities improved collaboration and learning; she asked the district to prioritize similar upgrades across the county. Several board members noted prior testimony about Argyle’s door locks and electrical problems and asked staff to continue to work with that school and others facing age‑related infrastructure issues.

Ending: Board members asked for follow‑up from staff on building repairs and on how MCPS will prioritize ventilation, locks, electrical safety and accessibility so students can learn in safe, consistent conditions.