District Leader Selected for National School Air Quality Fellowship

Alamance-Burlington School System is proud to share that Loretta Atkins, Director of Environmental Health and Safety, has been named to the 2026-2027 cohort of the School Air Quality Fellowship, a national program hosted by the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Mrs. Atkins was selected following a competitive nationwide application process and is 1 of only 3 professionals chosen from our state to participate in this exclusive program.

Running from September 2026 through May 2027, the nine month fellowship equips K-12 public school leaders with specialized training, technical assistance, and industry credentials, such as the Building Operator Certification (BOC), to establish comprehensive plans for cleaner indoor air and enhanced energy efficiency.

By participating, Mrs. Atkins will gain access to research, coaching, and peer networks with educational leaders across the country. Additionally, fellows have the opportunity to access up to $30,000 in mini grant funding through a partnership with the American Lung Association to support localized indoor air quality (IAQ) projects.

Indoor air quality plays a role in student performance, health, and overall daily attendance. Mrs. Atkins' inclusion in this national cohort reflects the district's commitment to providing safe, healthy, and sustainable facilities for every student, teacher, and staff member.

Through this opportunity, Mrs. Atkins will bring back valuable strategies, actionable technical insights, and potential grant funding to directly benefit our district's schools.

Read more about the fellowship on the Center for Green Schools webpage.