Building an IAQ Team & Communicating Your

Success

2nd Annual IAQ Tools for Schools Symposium

Washington, DCAugust 10, 2001

Workshop Overview

Case Study

Video Segment

Selecting and Building an IAQ Team

Role of the IAQ Coordinator

Forming an IAQ Team

Communication Strategies

Questions and Answers

1

2

The IAQ Team—Internal Members

Facility/Maintenance Staff

Teachers

Administrative Staff

Custodians

Health Officers/School Nurses

Food Service Staff

Students

3

The IAQ Team—External Members

School Board Members

Parents

Public Health Officials

Health Organizations

Media

County Officials

4

Roles of IAQ Coordinator

Leader

Develops Vision

Sets Direction

Strategizes for Change

CommunicatesDirection

Motivates and Inspires

Leads by Example

Manager

Plans

Budgets

Organizes

Controls

Solves Problems

Makes Decisions

Allocates Resources

24

Responsibilities of IAQ Coordinator

Disseminates IAQ Information

Creates and Coordinates IAQ Team

Implements IAQManagement Plan

Coordinates IAQ Activities

Communicates toAll Constituents

Facilitates Resolutionof IAQ Problems

5

6

The IAQ Management Plan

Assess Current Status

Distribute and complete checklists Perform walkthrough inspection

Perform Repairs and Upgrades

Set repair and upgrade prioritiesPerform repairs and upgrades

Final Steps

Assess problem-solving performance Establish and update IAQ policies

7

Communication Strategies

Building Awareness of IAQ in Your School

Encouraging Participation by Faculty and Staff

Managing Public Relations- with Outside Stakeholders

“Managing Up”- Getting Top Support

Communicating in a Crisis- “Do’s and Don’ts”

8

Communication Principles

Be honest, frank, and open.

Respect your audience.

Avoid technical language and jargon.

Employ your best listening skills.

Different audiences require different communication strategies.

Emphasize action.

9

Communication Principles, cont.

Encourage feedback.

Keep the public informed.

Be prepared for questions.

Be responsive.

Combat rumors with facts.

Tell people what you can and cannot do.

10

Communication Principles, cont.

Work with the media.

Involve school employees.

Involve parents.

Involve the school board.