Students return to Kyrene de la Sierra months after it was closed over air quality concerns

Hundreds of Ahwatukee students have returned to Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School after being relocated for five months.

In August, the district sent out a notice saying it was conducting air quality tests at the school after parents reported concerning odors. The building was in the process of getting a new roof.

School officials moved about 500 students after multiple air quality tests indicated elevated particulate levels. In a letter to the community, the district wrote:

"This does not mean the particulates are harmful or even that the levels are harmful. However, official results of the air quality tests will take 5-7 days, and we will not take any risks with staff and students health."

The district faced some criticism from parents about the standards they were using for testing. The closure was initially scheduled through fall break, but was extended through winter break in order for the district to conduct a deep clean and repeat air quality testing after the roof was completed.

Earlier this week, Superintendent Laura Toenjes sent out a notice saying teachers were putting the final touches on their classrooms and were excited to welcome students back.

Toenjes said Kyrene ordered additional air quality testing over winter break and hired two independent environmental experts to conduct testing. The first report is available, and the second report is anticipated later this week.