In a typical school year, the custodial staff of New Richmond Exempted Village School District routinely cleans buildings throughout the day with the bulk of the work being at the end of the school day.
This year is different, however, with an even greater emphasis on cleaning that surpasses the usual routine. A key tool in this effort is the district’s Clorox Total 360 System.
New Richmond is one of the few districts in the area to have such a machine. Purchased two years ago, this electrostatic sprayer applies Clorox sanitizers and disinfectants to all surfaces. It can cover 18,000 sq.ft per hour, so a classroom can be disinfected in less than 5 minutes. After five minutes of drying time, you can reenter the treated space.
The machine was initially purchased to combat flu germs. The practice was to do enhanced cleaning if absenteeism reached 10% or higher. With COVID-19, the district is performing enhanced cleaning on a weekly basis at each building.
“We’re fortunate to have this machine currently available for use,” Superintendent Tracey Miller said. “The machine is a fast and efficient way to cover large spaces in a short period of time.”
Facilities Director Luke Cox echoed Mr. Miller’s assessment. The Clorox Total 360 is easily transported, so it can be used districtwide and even inside of school buses if needed. We will use this at all polling locations this year after they close.
“We’ve applied for grant money from FEMA hoping to buy several more of the machines - one for each school and transportation,” he said. “We are still waiting to hear if our request has been granted.”