Schools In Focus: Expert Advice on COVID-19 Cleaning

Schools In Focus is a Spaces4Learning podcast dedicated to K-12 school design, planning, and management. Each episode will feature a conversation with industry experts, facility managers, architects, and thought leaders on topics related to school facilities. Catch up on previous episodes here.

Today's episode is about cleaning and disinfecting school facilities.

Schools In Focus, Episode 3: Expert Advice on COVID-19 Cleaning

Schools In Focus podcast logo and Dr. Greg Whiteley

The world looks very different now since the last episode. Schools across the country are closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At the time of publication, 24 states have decided to keep schools closed for the remainder of the school year. According to the New York Times database, at least 606,800 people in the United States have tested positive for the virus and at least 25,922 have died from it.

In this episode, we talk about the short-term and long-term goals of keeping school facilities clean amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. I spoke to Dr. Greg Whiteley, a specialist in cleaning science, hygiene and disinfection. He’s the chairman of the Whiteley Corporation, a medical and industrial cleaning company based in Australia. He’s also an adjunct research fellow in the School of Medicine at Western Sydney University and a board member of the Cleaning Industry Research Institute.

Dr. Whiteley describes how the virus works, how it affects children, outlines cleaning goals for schools within the next year, and provides practical advice for custodial workers. 

Where to Listen

Schools In Focus is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. Subscribe today, or listen below! Stay tuned for more episodes!

About the Author

Yvonne Marquez is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Midland ISD Starts Construction on Two New High Schools

    The Midland Independent School District recently announced that it will break ground on two new high schools in Midland, Texas, according to a news release. The district is partnering with Pfluger Architects, Lee Lewis Construction, and Satterfield & Pontikes to create a total of over 1.5 million square feet for 8,400 students in grades 9–12.

  • University of Kentucky Stormwater Harvesting System Receives Award

    The Utilities and Energy Management team from the University of Kentucky recently received a Grand Award at the 2025 Engineering Excellence Awards, according to a university news release. The award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Kentucky was for the university’s Central Utility Plant (CUP) Stormwater Harvesting System, which activated in fall 2023.

  • K–12 Safety Trends Report Reveals Reliance on Training, Technology

    Wearable safety technology provider CENTEGIX recently released its 2025 School Safety Trends Report, according to a news release. The report is based on more than 265,000 incidents during the 2024–25 school year as reported through the CENTEGIX Safety Platform, used by more than 800 school districts across the U.S.

  • Creating a First and Lasting Impression with Thoughtful, Sustainable Design

    Clemson University’s Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center serves as the new front door to campus, anchoring the Tiger experience through each step in the student journey.

Digital Edition