Statement from IWBI on Reopen and Rebuild America's Schools Act
The following is a statement on the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act by Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO, International WELL Building Institute (IWBI):
“School facilities, if adapted and tended to properly, can act as frontline caregivers in the fight against COVID-19 and, coupled with policies, practices and programming, can function as caretakers of our physical, social and emotional well-being as we collectively respond to global health challenges like the one we’re experiencing now. In countless ways learning spaces can play a leading role in supporting student health and well-being, and even moderate changes to the environment can promote healthier outcomes, lower absenteeism, enhanced cognitive performance, and improved productivity and attention.
Each year, our nation’s school facilities suffer a tragic under-investment to the tune of $46 billion – a challenge that has been devastatingly exacerbated by the pandemic. Now is the time to support our schools through bold action.
The Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2021, part of the Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2), presents a rare opportunity to position the nation’s schools to both protect and improve the health of the millions of kids, teachers and administrators who go to K-12 schools every day. We applaud all those legislative champions, particularly Congressman Scott and Senator Reed, for their tireless work and the January 28 reintroduction of the Rebuild America’s Schools Act. This legislation is not only a direct investment in our kids and their health, it’s also an investment in our economy and the very future of America.”
