District report: Orange County Schools' spring indoor air quality testing finds most schools in 'good' or 'very good' condition; three rated 'fair'

Orange County Schools presented results from its spring 2025 indoor air quality testing on the district’s preventive-maintenance program, with contractor First Call Restoration and district maintenance staff reporting that most schools scored in the "good" or "very good" categories while three schools were rated "fair."

The district’s maintenance director and Jeremy, a representative from First Call Restoration, told the board the spring testing included visual inspections, baseline carbon monoxide checks during spring break and CO2 readings the week after spring break when buildings were fully occupied. Jeremy said the testing looked for mold species, CO2, humidity, temperature and evidence of water intrusion and recommended remediation for any visible mold. “The goal is to ensure a clean and healthy and safe environment for all the building’s occupants,” Jeremy said.

The nut graf: the detailed, biannual IAQ review identified a small number of schools where humidity, CO2 or ceiling-tile damage require targeted work, and it produced specific maintenance and monitoring steps intended to prevent degradation of classroom air quality and avoid costlier remediation later.

Most of the district’s schools met the report’s target ranges: CO2 below 1,000 parts per million (the level the presenters said can contribute to drowsiness or poor concentration when exceeded), humidity in an ideal range of roughly 40–60% relative humidity, and indoor temperatures of about 68–76 degrees Fahrenheit. First Call and district staff rated three schools in the ‘‘fair’’ category; those sites received school-specific action plans that include HVAC inspection and tuning, replacement of damaged ceiling tiles, and continued CO2 and humidity monitoring.

The presentation listed recurring maintenance recommendations: quarterly vent and air-return cleanings, routine air-filter replacements, coil cleanings at least every two years (or more often when needed), a full HVAC cleaning about every five years, and rapid remediation plans for roof leaks and other water intrusion. The maintenance director described the district’s current monitoring process as quarterly checks by custodians, sign-off by principals, follow-up monthly reviews by a custodial foreman and targeted follow-up where problems are identified.

Board members asked about implementation and oversight. Board member Ms. Mallett asked how administration ensures follow-through on recurring tasks; the maintenance director explained the quarterly custodial checks and the foreman’s monthly reviews. Mr. Astra asked about adjustments to recently replaced mechanical systems; district staff said they are working with the system engineer to fine-tune settings to increase the outdoor-air exchange where needed. Board member Ms. Padilla asked whether the high-level (high) vents that may be missed are tracked; staff replied that those items are included on maintenance spreadsheets and that the district schedules high-dusting and mechanical-closet deep cleanings, including a planned summer deep clean at Orange Middle School.

District staff said the report will be followed by targeted follow-up visits and that construction or major mechanical changes would be scoped with engineers where necessary. The board did not take formal action on the report; presenters left the testing summary open for board questions and requested to return with follow-up timelines and progress reports.