Ramiro Álvarez

This article originally appeared in FMJ, the official magazine of IFMA. Its inclusion on CMM’s website is part of a strategic partnership between ISSA, which owns the CMM brand, and IFMA. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly reshaped education across the globe, leaving schools, students, and communities grappling with its lasting effects. While the immediate health crisis may have subsided, one of the most pressing and enduring challenges that remains is the significant increase in school absenteeism. Students have returned to classrooms, but the alarming rise in chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year—shows no signs of slowing down. This troubling trend has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only students' academic performance but also their overall well-being, health, and future opportunities. Chronic absenteeism has become a top priority for educators, families, and policymakers alike, with schools struggling to ensure that students are present and engaged. The facility management industry plays a crucial role in maintaining safe learning environments, is an indispensable partner in this effort. Effective hygiene and disinfection practices have emerged as critical tools in the fight against absenteeism. Schools are recognizing that maintaining clean, safe and healthy environments is essential not just for preventing the spread of illness but also for supporting students' regular attendance. The ongoing need to protect students, staff and faculty from contagious diseases, including emerging threats, has evolved into a long-term necessity, making the FM industry more vital than ever. By embracing innovative cleaning technologies and improving air quality, the FM sector is at the forefront of creating environments where students can thrive without the fear of illness keeping them out of the classroom. The Post-Pandemic Absenteeism Crisis The rise in school absenteeism has been alarming. In the U.S., more than 16 million students were classified as chronically absent during the 2021-2022 school year, a staggering increase from the 8 million reported before the pandemic. This doubling of absenteeism rates has put immense pressure on schools and families. The problem is especially pronounced in vulnerable populations, including students from low-income households, students of color and those with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected by chronic absenteeism. The situation in Florida serves as a prime example of this growing crisis. The Florida Department of Education reported that more than 20 percent of students missed 21 or more days of school during the 2021-2022 school year. In Miami-Dade County, the fourth-largest school district in the United States, absenteeism rates exceeded 30 percent in some schools. This trend is mirrored globally, with countries including the U.K., Australia and Canada all reporting significant increases in absenteeism. The consequences of absenteeism are far-reaching. Studies have shown that students who miss more than 15 days of school in a year are seven times more likely to drop out of high school. Additionally, every year of missed schooling is associated with a loss of approximately $10,000 in lifetime earnings. These outcomes underscore the long-term economic and social costs of absenteeism, making it a critical issue that demands attention. The vital role of hygiene & disinfection in schools Maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfection is essential in reducing absenteeism and creating a healthy learning environment. Schools are high-traffic areas where students, teachers and staff interact closely, making them hotspots for the transmission of contagious illnesses like the flu, colds and new variants of COVID-19. Regular and effective cleaning practices are therefore vital in preventing outbreaks and ensuring that schools remain safe for students to attend. Surface disinfection plays a particularly important role in minimizing the spread of germs. High-touch areas—such as desks, doorknobs, keyboards and shared equipment—should be cleaned frequently and thoroughly. Consistent disinfection of these surfaces can greatly reduce the transmission of pathogens, preventing outbreaks that can lead to increased absenteeism. For schools, prioritizing cleanliness is not only a public health measure but also an essential component of student well-being and academic success. Beyond the immediate reduction of illness transmission, maintaining a clean school environment has psychological benefits as well. A clean and orderly environment fosters a sense of safety and security for students, which contributes to their overall mental well-being and academic engagement. In contrast, poorly maintained or unsanitary schools can contribute to feelings of anxiety or disengagement, further exacerbating absenteeism. Air quality & its impact on student health One often-overlooked aspect of school health is indoor air quality (IAQ). Poor IAQ in classrooms can have a significant impact on student attendance and performance. Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, are exacerbated by inadequate ventilation and the presence of airborne allergens, dust and mold. Asthma, in particular, is a leading cause of school absenteeism in the U.S., affecting 6 million children and resulting in more than 13 million missed school days annually. Improving IAQ in schools is crucial for reducing absenteeism linked to respiratory illnesses. Simple measures, such as ensuring proper ventilation, using high-efficiency air filters and regularly cleaning HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, can make a substantial difference. According to the American Lung Association, better IAQ can help alleviate asthma symptoms and reduce the likelihood of students missing school due to respiratory issues. Moreover, research has shown that better IAQ has additional benefits for students. A study conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that improving ventilation and air filtration in classrooms can enhance cognitive function by as much as 15 percent. This underscores the broader impact of clean air on both health and academic performance, making it a key priority for facilities management in educational settings. Innovative cleaning technologies: A game-changer for schools The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of new cleaning technologies that offer more effective and efficient ways to disinfect school environments. One of the most notable advancements has been the use of electrostatic sprayers, which can disinfect large areas quickly and evenly. By charging disinfectant particles, these sprayers ensure that surfaces are coated more thoroughly, reducing the time and labor required to maintain a clean environment. Another cutting-edge technology being used in schools is ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light disinfection.

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Ramiro Álvarez

Vice President of Facility Services, Grupo EULEN USA

Articles by Ramiro Álvarez

Disinfection and Hygiene in Schools

Health and Safety

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