JACKSONVILLE, Ark. (KATV) — Jacksonville Elementary School students and staff will remain temporarily relocated to Jacksonville High School for an additional day as the district awaits final air-quality testing results and repairs to part of the school’s ventilation system.
District leaders said Monday they spoke with EMTEC consultants around 2 p.m. but had not yet received the final air-quality report. While the report could arrive later Monday, officials said they wanted to give families and staff enough time to make arrangements for transportation, child care and work schedules.
As a result, Jacksonville Elementary students and staff will remain at Jacksonville High School on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
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The district is also waiting for replacement parts for the school’s Dedicated Outdoor Air System, or DOAS, which is part of the building’s HVAC system. The system brings fresh outdoor air into the school while helping control humidity and maintain ventilation.
The replacement parts are expected to arrive Tuesday and include repairs to three rooftop units, including reheat hub assemblies, a damper actuator and a leak check.
District officials said the school’s primary heating and cooling systems can regulate the building’s temperature, but they do not want to fully occupy the school until the final air-quality report is received and the DOAS is operating as intended.
Maintenance workers, contractors and consultants will continue working on the repairs and testing. The district said it will provide another update once it receives the final air-quality report and has more information about the repairs.
Officials said the decision to extend the temporary relocation was made with the health, safety and learning environment of students and staff in mind.