The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – In a highly anticipated press conference Wednesday, Alleghany Highlands public school officials addressed months of mounting concerns about air quality at Covington Middle School, revealing ventilation issues while simultaneously attempting to overcome community fears about potential health risks for teachers and students.
School Board Chairman John Littleton opened the meeting by emphasizing the district’s commitment to student and staff safety, acknowledging the uncertainty and community tension surrounding the ongoing investigation.
Superintendent Kim Halterman provided the most significant revelations, presenting findings from a comprehensive air quality assessment. “We continue to feel confident that there is no carbon monoxide issue in Covington Middle School,” Halterman stated, aligning with previous investigations conducted in a partnership with the Virginia Department of Health. The report identified ventilation problems, with higher-than-expected carbon dioxide levels in several classrooms. While these levels remain below OSHA regulations for school buildings, the school’s leaders are taking proactive measures to address the concerns.
Chris Chapman, an environmental expert from ECS Mid Atlantic, detailed multiple investigations conducted since the initial odor complaints in January. Despite extensive testing, investigators have been unable to identify a consistent source for the reported smells, which have been described as ammonia-like, urine-like, and even broccoli-like. “It’s difficult to test for an odor that comes and goes,” Chapman explained. “When an odor is not consistent, it becomes challenging to pinpoint its origin.”
Dr. Cynthia Morrow from the Virginia Department of Health provided additional context about community health concerns, specifically addressing elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels. She emphasized that these levels are not connected to the school and do not represent a significant public health threat. “We are working with labs across the country to understand these findings,” Morrow said. She recommended that residents maintain standard carbon monoxide safety practices, such as installing detectors in homes.
The school district outlined immediate and long-term plans to improve ventilation. Temporary window units have been ordered and will be quickly installed, with a comprehensive rooftop ventilation system upgrade scheduled for completion this summer. “It is our intention to keep students in school for the remainder of the year,” Halterman affirmed.
The press conference also addressed several community questions, including concerns about student attendance and a recently filed lawsuit. School officials acknowledged the lawsuit but stated they had not yet received any official documentation.
Regarding student attendance, the district revealed varying attendance rates since reopening, with a notably lower turnout immediately following the March 31 odor incident. School Officials encourage students to return to school and has established a dedicated website (cms-incident.com) for ongoing updates and information.
A Virginia state code requirement was also clarified regarding student enrollment. After 15 consecutive missed days, regardless of reason, students are automatically dropped from school rolls and must be re-enrolled by parents.
The press conference underscored the complexity of the ongoing investigation, with multiple agencies and experts involved in addressing the air quality concerns. While definitive answers remain elusive, the school district emphasized its commitment to transparency and student safety. As the investigation continues, the community remains cautiously attentive, awaiting further developments in the Covington Middle School air quality saga.
Alleghany Public Schools Board Chairman John Littleton (Christopher Mentz photo)
Alleghany Public Schools Superintendent Kim Halterman (Christopher Mentz photo)
Chris Chapman, an environmental expert from ECS Mid Atlantic (Christopher Mentz photo)
Dr. Cynthia Morrow from the Virginia Department of Health (Christopher Mentz photo)
Cindy Fox, Supervisor of Customized Learning Programs and Division Attendance (Christopher Mentz photo)
