Healthy buildings are essential for student learning and growth. We cannot accept our children or our educational staff being forced into unhealthy learning environments. This means we must do more – and urgently – to improve indoor air quality.
The global pandemic has highlighted the holes in our infrastructure. Due to years of underfunding, our school system has put off needed repairs and extended systems beyond their expected lifespan.
Studies have shown an association between poor indoor air quality and respiratory health effects, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Some of our schools have had chronic mold problems, which can trigger asthma and allergies – one of the leading causes of school absences. We cannot continue to put off and underfund our school maintenance budget, which has a direct impact on health, attendance, and academic performance. We must also ensure adequate ventilation rates in all classrooms to reduce school absences, transmission of infectious diseases and improve overall health and productivity.
An active learning environment is also crucial in improving overall health – and that includes recess. Recess has many health benefits. It enhances creative thinking, focus and social skills; reduces stress; and fights childhood obesity. It should never be withheld as a punishment. I will fight to expand and protect recess opportunities, and ensure no student loses access to their critical unstructured recess time due to outdated practices of withholding recess.