Shaler Area High School families,
We thank you all for your patience and understanding as we continue to monitor the air quality at Shaler Area High School.
Air quality tests conducted by AGX, Inc. throughout the building on Aug. 24 and Aug. 26 indicated that air quality levels are in normal and acceptable ranges in all but two rooms in the high school, however, upon further review and consideration, we wish to exercise extreme caution and have made the difficult decision to delay the start of school until Tuesday, Sept. 4, for high school students only.
Based on the air quality tests conducted, the school is safe for staff and students. None of the air quality samples, including the two rooms mentioned above, showed spore counts higher than what is present in the outside air at the high school, however, we want to conduct a thorough re-clean of the entire building and further investigate and confirm the cause of the issue has been remediated, and we require an empty building to do so.
Over the next five days, we will contract with an outside organization to work in conjunction with the school district to re-clean all surfaces, dehumidify the entire school, and use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to ensure the air quality in the high school.
As for extra-curricular activities, please contact your coach or activity sponsor for any changes that may occur to extra-curricular activities through Sept. 4.
Regarding the three missed days of school, Shaler Area School District plans to petition the Pennsylvania Department of Education to waive the three days of school for high school students and request permission to not make-up the days. Once we receive a response from the state, we will communicate with our families accordingly.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and burden caused to our families by the lateness of this communication. The safety and security of our buildings for our students and staff is our top priority, and that extends to include the air quality within our facilities.
Sincerely,
Sean C. Aiken
Superintendent of Schools
Timothy J. Royall
Shaler Area High School Principal