Poland Community School, a vital part of RSU 16 in Maine, requires immediate attention regarding indoor air quality. Elevated carbon dioxide levels were reported last year, yet no follow-up testing has been conducted since. As a result, families currently lack clear and transparent information about the conditions in which our children are learning and whether the air they breathe each day is safe.

Children spend a significant portion of their day inside school buildings. Indoor air quality directly affects their health, comfort, and ability to learn. Without recent testing, students and staff may be exposed to poor ventilation, elevated carbon dioxide levels, or other airborne pollutants that can negatively impact both short- and long-term health.

Numerous studies have shown that poor indoor air quality contributes to asthma, allergies, headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and respiratory infections. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs are still developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. For these reasons, routine and transparent indoor air quality testing is not optional — it is essential.

This petition calls on the appropriate school and state authorities to conduct comprehensive indoor air quality testing at Poland Community School, including but not limited to:

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels
Ventilation system performance
Potential airborne contaminants
All results should be shared promptly and transparently with families, and any identified issues must be addressed without delay to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for students and staff.

To move this initiative forward, we seek the support of at least 50% of parents and guardians with children currently enrolled at Poland Community School. Each signature helps demonstrate the urgency of this issue and sends a clear message that student health and safety must be prioritized.

This request is supported by Maine State Law, Title 20-A, §258-B, which underscores the responsibility to maintain healthy school facilities.

Please support this important effort by signing this petition. Together, we can advocate for safer schools, healthier learning environments, and greater accountability — not only for Poland Community School, but as a standard across RSU 16 and beyond.