I’m not an expert on HVAC systems, but what I’ve been reading makes me concerned about whether many #PHLed school buildings can be safely re-opened, just based on deficiencies in ventilation. 1/12

All @PHLSchools buildings were thoroughly assessed in 2017. Reports show ventilation, esp. in older #PHLed buildings, was frequently not in compliance with code. https://www.philasd.org/capitalprograms/about/initiatives/facility-condition-assessment/ 2/12

Latest @PADeptofEd guidance: “Ensure ventilation systems operate properly & increase circulation of outdoor air by opening windows & doors.” Doesn’t “properly” mean up to code? https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/emergencyplanning/COVID-19/SchoolReopeningGuidance/ReopeningPreKto12/PublicHealthGuidance/Pages/default.aspx #PHLed 3/12

I reviewed assessments of about a dozen #PHLed schools in my neighborhood, NW Philly, searched for the term “ventilation.” No surprise: Inadequate ventilation is rampant. Caveat: It's possible some have been upgraded since 2017.

Here are some excerpts. 4/12

JS Jenks: “Currently ventilation for the building is provided by opening windows, which does not meet current codes for outdoor air ventilation.” https://www.philasd.org/capitalprograms/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2017/06/Jenks-JS.pdf #PHLed 5/12

Houston: “Ventilation for Element 1 is provided by the house fan when it is in use, which does not meet current codes for outdoor air ventilation.” https://www.philasd.org/capitalprograms/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2017/06/Houston.pdf #PHLed 6/12

AMY Northwest: “Ventilation for the building is provided by the house fan, if it is operational, and roof mounted gravity vents which does not meet current codes for outdoor air ventilation.” https://www.philasd.org/capitalprograms/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2017/06/AMY-at-Levering.pdf #PHLed 7/12

Wagner: “The house fans only run during the heating season, thus the building is without mechanical ventilation much of the year.” https://www.philasd.org/capitalprograms/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2017/06/Wagner.pdf #PHLed 8/12

Mifflin: “Replace the existing unit ventilators with new units designed to provide adequate ventilation per ASHRAE Std 62.” https://www.philasd.org/capitalprograms/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2017/06/Mifflin.pdf #PHLed 9/12

Dobson: “Ventilation for the building is provided by opening windows and through roof mounted gravity ventilators, which does not meet current codes for outdoor air ventilation. The building does not have mechanical ventilation.” https://www.philasd.org/capitalprograms/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2017/06/Dobson.pdf #PHLed 10/12

Unclear how we can contemplate districtwide school openings when many ENTIRE BUILDINGS in #PHLed don’t have ventilation that is up to code, requiring multimillion dollar repairs that can’t be done in a month. 11/12

Codes exist for a reason. Opening windows is intended to supplement - it is not adequate ventilation (& doesn’t work in cold or rain). Portable fans spread germs. @PHLschools has not adequately explained how they intend to address this. #PHLed /end