Alcoa schools contract for mold tests with Blount Building Authority

November 28, 2002

By Chandra , News-Sentinel staff writer

November 24, 2002

The Blount County Public Building Authority will begin preliminary mold

testing at Alcoa schools in coming weeks with the approval of the Alcoa City

School Board.

In early October a motion was passed to test the air quality of Alcoa

Elementary and Alcoa High schools but Thursday Director of Schools, Jane

Qualls said the expertise needed to perform the air quality and mold tests

exceeded the school's capabilities.

PBA Director Ron Ogle said although there may be no visible signs of mold,

workers will beginperforming the necessary tests in the coming weeks to

assure there are no mold problems.

Ogle said if workers find mold upon the inspection " we will then try to find

the source of the mold. "

Ogle and school board members are hopeful to have mold testing and

walk-throughs of the schools complete during the Christmas holidays. Other

maintenance issues, including roofing, will be addressed at Alcoa schools as

well.

The $30,000 contract with the PBA comes on the hinges of Blount County

Schools discovering mold in Heritage High School this school year causing a

four-week school closing.

A contract was also approved with Rick Stache for professional small service

projects at Alcoa Middle School, said Qualls.

In other business, the board:

Passed a 2 percent pay raise for teachers to take effect next year. Also

discussed absorbing a portion of the cost of insurance coverage for

teachers.

Designated Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. for an informal walk-through for the board

members at Alcoa Elementary and High Schools to point out any maintenance

concerns.

Alcoa City Schools Athletic Director Rob Daugherty reported gate sales were

down in comparison to last year's fall sports season. Daugherty asked that a

travel stipend be considered to offset the cost of traveling expenses.

Bids totaling $8,000 were approved for the sale of school furniture and

kitchen equipment left at the old Alcoa Middle School.

The dedication ceremony of the Alcoa Middle School will be Friday, Dec. 13

from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Chandra may be reached 342-6425, 981-9106 or harrisc@....

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