Maypearl ISD’s superintendent explained the steps the district has taken to solve high levels of carbon dioxide in classrooms, but parents remain concerned.
MAYPEARL, Texas — Following concerns about poor air quality at Maypearl Primary School, Maypearl ISD leaders held a special meeting for parents on Wednesday.
Rachel Girard, a parent, has decided to pull her daughter out of the school due to concerns over high levels of carbon dioxide, also known as CO2.
“We should not have to worry about the air that our children are breathing at school,” another parent said during the meeting.
During the packed meeting, several parents told WFAA that for months, their children have come home from school with headaches, nausea and fatigue. Girard said she took her concerns to district leaders in November 2024.
According to the district, air quality tests were conducted in November 2024 and they found high levels of CO2.
The city of Maypearl confirmed to WFAA that police and the fire chief ordered the district to close the school last week due to air quality concerns. The school reopened on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Superintendent Richie Bowling said engineers made repairs to the school’s HVAC system, replaced damaged vents, and replaced HVAC filters. According to Bowling, new tests conducted days ago showed CO2 levels dropped below 1,000 ppm.
“CO2 levels are not elevating as rapidly. We are still seeing levels can rise when you have a lot of people in a room,” Bowling said.
Further repairs to design ductwork are needed. The district said the ductwork should be completed by March 21, but Bowling is hoping for an earlier completion. This week, some classroom windows will be opened as a last resort.
Bowling confirmed to WFAA that the fire department hasn’t run tests to make sure the air quality is safe enough.
“My understanding is they don’t have the ability to do that,” Bowling said.
If the issue isn’t solved, district leaders will begin a plan to relocate students, Bowling said during the meeting.
Several parents, including Girard, will begin to homeschool their children instead.
“This whole situation is so so sad for the staff, students and parents,” Girard said. “It all could’ve been prevented by doing your duty as leaders of this district.”
