Mold spurs call for new school

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Mold spurs call for new school

Post Tribune - ,IN*

March 8, 2008

BY SHARLONDA L. WATERHOUSE Post-Tribune staff writer

http://www.post-trib.com/news/832524,gemerson.article

GARY -- Extreme heat, moisture and an antiquated heating system have

bred recurring mold at the Emerson Visual and Performing Arts School.

As many as seven teachers are avoiding the building on doctor's

orders. Some students claim they have suffered headache and

breathing problems.

The state Occupational Safety and Health Administration will visit

the school next week. at the request of the teachers union.

In a letter sent to parents Thursday, Principal Noah Riley

acknowledged a " mold condition ... in a few locations " but said

Emerson was safe and " no Emerson student or staff is in health

danger. "

Riley said a new location is being sought for next year, possibly

within another school.

He said returning to the current site is " highly unlikely. "

But some teachers and students want out of the building now, even if

just for a few weeks to make sure the mold, which has been treated

since last year, is gone.

Community School Corp. Chief Financial Officer " Mickey "

Beach said the district's maintenance staff and J & K Environmental

treat the mold regularly with bleach to keep it at bay. Tests are

done weekly. Beach said high humidity is to blame.

" We've got so much of a heating problem, a ventilation problem, and

the accumulation of moisture on the windows at that building that

it's created a lot of moisture, which is where spores can start, "

Beach said.

" We're doing more cleanup and trying to keep the moisture out. If we

can do that, we can keep the mold down.

" There's no question we've got to find another building for Emerson

next year. "

He, too, said the school is safe, based on a mid-February report

from a Munster laboratory.

" VAM Labs have assured us mold concentrations are within acceptable

levels, " Beach said.

The laboratory report also cautions that sufferers of asthma,

allergies and sensitive immune systems may be at risk.

Beach said if Emerson was not safe, the superintendent would order

it off limits.

Parents like refused to send their children to school

Friday.

" For the last few months my daughter has had chronic headaches and

nosebleeds. Other parents say their children have been experiencing

respiratory and stomach problems, " said.

" Parents are just finding out about this, " she said. " The principal

said it wasn't his responsibility to notify us. Why haven't students

been moved out? "

I'm looking for the district to step up and remove these students

for the remainder of the school year, " said.

Exploring options

School Board President Nellie said " We're looking at what can

be done in the short term, looking at all options --that includes

moving staff to another facility, but that is not something that's

easily done. "

Shakitha showed medical papers acknowledging her daughter has

recently developed a " shortness of breath " and was given a breathing

treatment this week at the Theo Tatum Family Health Center.

said parents should have been notified when mold was first

discovered. " If they are trying to keep it maintained why are there

leaking faucets and buckets of stagnant water everywhere? "

Aleternia and Cladosporium, common molds found in homes and open air

have been identified at high concentrations in at least four

classrooms, according to a Feb. 19 report.

It shows problems on second and third floors, such as in Room 311,

which belongs to teacher Carolyn McCrady. Her doctor has advised her

to avoid the building due to a weak immune system.

" I am very hesitant. We're sitting in classrooms where the heat is

terribly high which incubates the mold, " McCrady said.

Lea Larson, an Emerson building representative for the Teachers

Union said " As a union rep I can say we have seven teachers out that

are told not to come back to the building until the abatement is

completed. I've had headaches. My doctor told me not to return. "

Contact Sharlonda L. Waterhouse at 648-3085 or swaterhouse@post-

trib.com