During the month of January, the building underwent air quality testing. This project was headed up by Chris Cast, environmental hygienist at Children’s Mercy.

“So SMSD has a contract with us, and we do proactive testing and monitoring for every school in the district,” Cast said. “It’s just a way to proactively identify building condition issues or potential issues that the maintenance group can take care of.”

Cast and his team check on issues from as big as air quality to paint chipping on the door frames with the goal of making the best possible learning environment for students and teachers.

“Well, it’s important for the students and it’s important for the faculty. I mean, it’s for parents, or anyone that’s coming into the building to have an understanding that you’re coming into a situation where you’re getting the best learning experience,” Cast said. “Temperature, the relative humidity, all that stuff affects how you guys sit in the classroom, and whether you’re able to pay attention.”