Video - Mold Delaying Opening Of New Leander ISD School

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Mold Delaying Opening Of New Leander ISD School

CBS 42 - Austin,TX

Gregg

Reporting

http://keyetv.com/local/local_story_137224137.html

LEANDER Mold in the walls, construction delays and permit problems

means Leander Independent School District can't open a new school.

Grandview Hills Elementary on Vista Park Drive was supposed to start

classes in the fall. But that could be delayed months, sending the

kids to another school.

Some parents say they're not surprised mold is growing on the walls.

They say that's expected from a building that used to be a chemical

company.

Although school leaders say the mold isn't dangerous, they're not

opening the campus until they are sure the mold is gone.

But some parents are still worried.

" I guess, overall, I'm just concerned that the purchase may have

been rushed, " Grandview Hills parent O'Rourke said. " I'm happy

that they found it before the kids were going to school there. "

Ruthie Black will have a child at the school. The mold mess doesn't

bother her.

" I'm not concerned, " Black said. " I believe that our school district

has shown that it will take care of the problem. It won't open until

it has. "

School leaders told a crowded cafeteria of concerned citizens,

Grandview Hills opening could be delayed until January.

The district plans to send the kids to the brand new River Place

about three miles away.

" They will be housed in one wing of that school and a couple of

portable buildings, " Leander School District spokesman Bill Britcher

said. " They'll have their own identity and will be ready to move to

the new school, if we can open it during the school year. "

" The students will have their separate administration principals,

they'll be isolated basically, except for core facilities, " Leander

school trustee Don Hisle said. " It's going to work out. "

Several studies on the site say the land is safe for students.

The district just wants to make sure, and delaying the opening is a

way to do that.

The district bought the land for almost $15 million last year.

So with so much invested in the project the district is determined

to see classes someday at Grandview Hills.

A district spokesman said there is a chance Grandview Hills may not

open next year at all. But he says the district is doing all it can

to prevent that from happening.