Air Quality Update | September 20, 2023

UPDATE 9/20/2023 @ 10:20am

Dear Benicia Staff and Families,

Here is an update to our air quality. Currently, our air quality readings are well within the “Orange” range, which means:

• School remains in session. 

• We will move physical education indoor activity to the extent possible and reduce vigorous exercise to 30 min per hour.

• Conduct athletic practices indoors if possible. Reduce vigorous exercise to 30 min per hour of practice time with increased rest breaks and substitutions.

• Scheduled athletic events both indoor and outdoor events are permitted. We will follow CIF guidelines, increase rest breaks and substitutions. Closely monitor all athletes. Sensitive individuals should abstain from exertion.

• Sensitive groups: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. 

Each school site has MERV-13 filters in all the HVAC units and air purifiers in every classroom.

We will continue to monitor the air quality throughout the day and make adjustments as necessary. We will keep you updated with any changes.

Please see our website for more information on air quality.

Respectfully,

Damon J. Wright, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Dear Benicia Families,

The Northern California fires have created air quality issues in Benicia. BUSD has air quality monitors located at each school site, and District personnel diligently monitor readings and modify daily activities to ensure the safety of students and staff. Currently, our air quality readings are within the “Red” range, which means:

• School remains in session. 

• We recommend that lunch and recess activities take place indoors when feasible. If this is not possible, we recommend implementing a shortened outdoor lunch. 

• We will move Physical education, athletics, and recess indoor activity to the extent possible and reduce vigorous exercise to 30 min per hour.

• Indoor athletic events are permitted. The District will follow CIF guidelines

• Sensitive groups: Avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. 

• Everyone else: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. Take more breaks during all outdoor activities.

Each school site has MERV-13 filters in all the HVAC units and air purifiers in every classroom. 

We will continue to monitor the air quality throughout the day and make adjustments as necessary. We will keep you updated with any changes.

Please see our website for more information on air quality.