School district gets $100K grant toward air ionization systems

Installed to reduce airborne viral transmission

The Euclid Schools Foundation recently contributed $100,000 toward the cost of air ionization systems in all of the Euclid schools to help create a safer learning environment indoors amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

According to Euclid Schools Director of Public Relations Darryle Torbert, the foundation’s contribution combined with previous funding the schools had received from the federal CARES Act allowed them to pay for the technology without using any local tax dollars.

Students across the district will be returning to a hybrid learning format on Feb. 1, meaning they will be in the school buildings a few days a week, which Torbert said will now be a safer environment due to the air ionization systems lessening the chance of airborne virus transmission.

“The air ionization system is installed in each of our school buildings, and the technology has been proven to kill the coronavirus and other airborne viruses and pathogens,” he said. “This technology will play a huge role in keeping our schools healthy and safe to allow our students to start and continue learning in the building.”

Anthony Basalla, who serves as Euclid Schools Foundation’s board president, said that supporting the success of the schools has been the organization’s goal since it was founded as a nonprofit in 1991.

He said that it was ultimately founded to provide college scholarships to high-achieving Euclid students and work with donors and alumni to award student success.

However, it has grown over time to also provide funds for teachers looking to enhance curriculum or activities, and other projects that fit the foundation’s mission.

One such project was the air ionization systems — which Basalla said was in discussion early on amongst the superintendent and school board as the district has gone through various learning modality changes, and Basalla said he and the other board members agreed they wanted to do something to help.

“As a foundation, we want to be an organization that can provide support during difficult times,” he said.

Basalla said he believes the air ionization systems are not only timely for the situation the schools are facing as students and teachers return to classes amid the pandemic, but it is an investment for their future health as well.

“We want them to be able to focus on teaching and learning and not worrying as much about their health,” Basalla said.

He added that he has heard about air ionization technology being implemented in hospitals and other school districts, and that the foundation wanted to ensure Euclid schools had access to similar technology and resources.