Student urges board to add ventilation guidance after CO2 study of classrooms

Surya (Suri) Acharya, an incoming senior at Palos Verdes High School and student representative to district advisory committees, presented AP research comparing classroom CO2 and particulate levels across campuses. Acharya said CO2 concentrations rose with occupancy; several rooms exceeded 2,000 parts per million and one classroom at Peninsula High exceeded 4,000 ppm. Acharya reported that classrooms that kept doors or windows open generally maintained lower CO2 concentrations.

Citing those findings, Acharya asked the board to amend Regulation 3514 (Environmental Safety) to add guidance that when classroom occupancy exceeds about 30 people, teachers should open doors and windows when practicable — either during class or between periods — and requested the district distribute an indoor-air-quality infographic the student developed to teachers and classrooms districtwide.

Acharya told the board the recommendations are low-cost, evidence-based strategies drawn from measurements taken in the district and discussed the potential benefits for student comfort, concentration and health. She said she had already met with Dr. Serrano to discuss possible solutions.

Board members thanked Acharya and several asked staff to review the recommendation; Superintendent Serrano said staff would review the policy and return with considerations for any regulatory change. No formal regulatory change was adopted at the meeting.