In 1975, airtight construction and solar panels were the answer to energy conservation as Corona del Sol High School was being built. The design resulted in lower energy costs as well as some unintended effects. 1975 codes for air flow volume assumed introduction of fresh outside air into the system. Without fresh air, the ventilation system was inadequate. The new design led to elevated levels of indoor polution. By 1999, Cds began to receive reports of health problems from teachers and students.
By 2006, the problem had become a concern to the school district. They had an Indoor Air Quality assessment conducted. The assessment detected raised CO2 levels, airborne mold and microtoxins, and active mold growth. Eighteen months later, after prodding from the Corona Clean Air Coalition, the Tempe Union High School District embarked on a remediation effort. The moldy carpet was replaced with tile. The HVAC system is being replaced with a new chiller and larger pumps.
The effectiveness of the remediation efforts will require future testing and can be a topic for a future speaker.
DeeAnne Clowes ended her presentation with a pitch for her election to the School Board. This move caused many members to question the veracity and independence of the presentation. Chris Sar was subsequently fined (by himself) for bringing a political message into the meeting.