Recently, carbon dioxide sensors have been placed in various classrooms. Whenever the device senses too much carbon dioxide, it signals the AC system to pump fresh air into the room. This has a positive effect on the school by improving safety.

Jim Houck, director of maintenance, explained that carbon dioxide sensors were placed in classrooms because the school district is participating in the CalShape Grant. Houck explained that the CalShape Grant is a program in California that provides funding to public schools.

The funds help schools upgrade ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems. This also helps improve air quality in the school environment. “The goal is to make schools healthier and more energy-efficient, with a priority on schools in underserved communities or those near major roadways,” says Houck.

The Monnit CO2 sensors use data from the iMonnit cloud-based software to ensure that air quality stays clean in classrooms. Funds from CalShape can also be used to maintain, assess, upgrade, or replace ventilation systems.

This includes installing new filters, major equipment overhauls, or carbon dioxide sensors. The CalShape Grant doesn’t only fund ventilation systems, air conditioning, or filters—it also funds plumbing systems.

The funds help improve water efficiency and can replace non-compliant plumbing fixtures. The overall purpose of this program is to improve students’ health through better air quality, reduce energy consumption, and save water.

Mr. Leal, an eighth-grade science teacher, says that he doesn’t receive any updates from the CO2 sensors. Leal wishes there were better communication about the carbon dioxide sensors being installed in classrooms.

Leal hasn’t noticed any benefits or changes since the CO2 sensors were installed. Apart from the CO2 sensors, Leal commented that he can see dust in the air, but opening the classroom doors frequently throughout the day helps improve air quality a little bit.