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I have watched my children grow up and move from school to school — elementary, to middle and now high school, with college entering the picture even sooner than I am ready for. The teachers change, the curriculum advances, and carpooling with parents transforms into my kids wanting to drive themselves everywhere.
As a parent, I know other parents are as equally concerned about the overall well-being of their children, especially when we send them out of our door and into the world.
I ask myself, “Will someone else care for them like I do?”
It could be considered a naive question but I am happy to share a positive step in how schools are working toward advancing the classroom environment for our children.
In an effort to improve the cleanliness of local school districts and stretch public funds, Georgia Schools Superintendent Kathy Cox has recommended implementing the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval (SOA) testing program for carpet cleaning products.
As I have shared before, the SOA program certifies effective and environmentally responsible carpet cleaning solutions, vacuums, extractors and cleaning systems. Consumer and commercial products are independently tested and lists of qualifying products are posted on the CRI website (www.carpet-rug.org/). In addition, carpet cleaning professionals certified as Seal of Approval Service Providers are listed on the website by ZIP code and geographic area.
In a letter to Georgia’s 190 district superintendents, Ms. Cox noted that the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval testing and certification program could help districts maximize cleaning and maintenance budgets by guiding them to the most effective products. This, in turn, would save money by reducing labor costs and extending the useful life of carpet.
“In an era when school budgets are especially tight, it is my sense that using CRI Seal of Approval-certified products and equipment will save school districts money,” Cox said. “CRI does not make, distribute or sell any of these products; it simply tests for performance to assure that the best products are being used to maintain carpet,” she added.
Dalton Public Schools has put in place the Seal of Approval program. At one time, carpets were maintained by school personnel. But as the school system grew, the district hired a local Seal of Approval-certified Service Provider and invested in SOA-approved vacuums. On-site “spotting teams” respond to spills and stains immediately, using SOA-approved spot cleaning solutions. “Clean, safe schools enhance teaching and learning,” says Belinda Parrish, the Dalton Public Schools maintenance chief. “A clean environment is as important to a student’s success as a good breakfast.”
Our message has always been clear: Well-maintained carpet can positively affect a school’s environment. And in return, it will positively affect our children. Studies have continued to show a correlation between student achievement and carpeted classroom. Carpet not only reduces noises and distractions from within and outside the classroom, it makes the spoken word more audible to children’s ears. When you hear things more clearly, you understand them better.
And then there are the safety issues. Carpet not only reduces slips and falls, but when they do occur, chances are much less likely injuries will be sustained, and they will definitely be reduced. Cleaner carpet also does wonders for the classroom space, allowing teachers to expand their teaching environment by putting the floor into use as a comfortable sitting space.
With the approval of CRI’s SOA program for districts around the state, proper cleaning on a budget will come to life. We can provide school systems with certified cleaning tools that will keep classrooms cleaner and healthier, and we all can send our children out of our doors with a little less worry. Well, at least during the eight hours they are in school.
Werner Braun is president of the Dalton-based Carpet and Rug Institute.
