2020 Winter Falls Pride Fall Magazine-2 - Flipbook - Page 9
FALLS PRIDE | PAGE 8
HEALTH & SAFETY
The School District of Menomonee
Falls installed needlepoint bipolar
ionization to its air-handling units at all
schools to kill pathogens, including the
coronavirus, flu, and mold, and
improve indoor air quality. The
needlepoint bipolar ionization system,
along with other mitigation efforts,
helps SDMF continue to maximize faceto-face learning.
“The needlepoint bipolar ionization
system helps ensure the safety of our
students and staff by dramatically
increasing the filtering efficiency of the
existing HVAC systems,” said Rick
Fechter, Director of Facilities for the
School District of Menomonee Falls. “The needlepoint bipolar ionization system is another great
addition to our increased mitigation efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and flu in our schools
using the best practices and technology available.” The needlepoint bipolar ionization system will
have a positive impact beyond COVID for many years to come as it also filters germs out of the air
that cause the common cold, flu and other viruses, keeping our students and staff healthy.
The system positively and negatively charges ions at the molecular level, attracting and attaching
to allergens, viruses, mold, and other airborne particles. The particles are then trapped in the
system filters, increasing the filter efficiency from about 12 percent to well over 90 percent and
up to as much as 97 percent. The end result is cleaner and healthier air for students and staff to
breathe without introducing harmful chemicals.
Installation of the system across approximately 930,000 square-feet of classrooms, gymnasiums,
cafeterias and offices, including the Community Center, is now complete and fully operational.
The system was funded with a investment of carryover funds from a portion of the $3.5 million
2019-20 year-end surplus. The system has an expected useful life of 12-15 years with a partial
payback on the investment through reduced energy costs.
“Safety is our top priority,” Fechter said. “The system works to destroy harmful particles in the air
and will help keep our students, staff, and community members safe for many years to come.”