MSD Air Quality Update

MSD Air Quality Update

Dear Monroe School District community,

In response to the Bolt Creek fire in the Skykomish Valley and resulting air quality issues throughout the Monroe School District, we have been in close contact with local emergency management personnel and city officials today. In consultation with these partners, looking at air quality index reports, weather/wind predictions, and reviewing guidelines from the Washington State Department of Health, at this time we plan to hold school as usual tomorrow, with safety precautions in place.

Air quality in the Monroe School District is currently in the 'moderate' range. The safety of our staff and students is our top priority and as a result of the current air quality, we will be taking the following precautions tomorrow:

  • Outdoor time will be limited:
    • Recess and P.E. will be held indoors.
    • At this time, we are not yet canceling after school athletic practices and competitions. We will reassess by noon tomorrow and if the air quality has not improved, we will notify staff and families of cancellations.
  • Indoor air quality will be maximized:
    • Doors and windows will remain closed to the extent possible.
    • MERV 13 filters, which help to filter out smoke particles, are already in use in our school HVAC systems.
    • Outdoor air intake will be temporarily reduced from 25-30% to 15%.
    • Our current COVID-19 protocol of flushing inside spaces with 100% outside air 1-2 hours before and after school will be temporarily modified.
  • Masks will be available for those who would like to wear them

We know that conditions may change, we will be checking air quality again early tomorrow morning, and we remain prepared to respond. If conditions change overnight and we determine that we need to close schools, we will notify staff and families by 5:30 a.m. via email, text, phone call, on our website, and social media channels. No update tomorrow morning means that school and buses will be running as usual.

We know that many of our staff, families, and their loved ones live in the Skykomish Valley area that is impacted by the Bolt Creek fire. Our hearts go out to our neighbors and all of the first responders working to contain the fire.

Sincerely,

Dr. Marci Larsen
MSD Interim Superintendent