Mold damages University High's band, chorus rooms -- but OCPS won't give us acce

[Guest guest]

Mold damages University High's band, chorus rooms -- but OCPS won't

give us access to tell the story

Orlando Sentinel - Orlando,FL*

posted by Hobbs on Jul 31, 2008

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_education_edblog/2008/07/mold-

damages-un.html

Reporter Alia Malik went out to the campus today to find out the

scope of the problem -- for example, we heard instruments and

uniforms were damaged and we don't know exactly what the kids' s

needs are. We also were wondering whether the problem was really as

bad as what has been told to us.

But Malik was asked to leave by Principal Doug Guthrie, who also

declined to comment, and she was not given access to the site, the

band director or the student musicians.

Principals do have the discretion to let a reporter on campus. PIO

Shari Bobinkski also said the area has been cleaned. But there are

plenty of other questions that remain unanswered: like whether a

report promised below has been finished, what the extent of the

problem is, what the cost is, whether anyone got sick, etc.

We will report more as the story develops.

But here is a note that was posted on University's website:

http://www.uhsband.com/

July 23, 2008

Dear Cougars:

I would like to take the opportunity to address all students and

parents of a situation that has occurred in the University Band Room

this week. When Mr. Steff and I came to the main campus on Monday

morning, we discovered mold in various areas of the carpet in the

band room, chorus room, and percussion suite. I have been working

closely with our principal, Doug Guthrie, in the clean-up and

recovery process. We have been working very hard in cleaning and

treating all aspects of the main campus music suite. While mold has

only been visible on the carpet, I would like to assure everyone of

the following:

The main campus band room, percussion suite, and chorus room is off

limits to all students while they are being cleaned. Doors are

locked at all times. All band, guard, and chorus equipment has been

removed from the music suite for cleaning.

OCPS Environmental Services will be examining the band suite and

will have a detailed report done by the end of this week. We will

not know the status of the clean up until their report is complete.

The entire inventory of band and chorus uniforms are being

professionally treated and dry-cleaned.

All instruments/cases that were in the music suite are being

disinfected and treated.

All summer band activities will be held in the Performing Arts

Center, Main Campus Cafeteria, Freshman Campus Music Suite, and band

practice fields. We anticipate getting all of our instruments back

in time for band camp. We are fortunate at UHS to have a large and

accommodating facility for band camp.

All remaining concessions food and drink items have been thrown out.

All Concessions supplies and coolers have been thrown out. Lowes,

Home Depot, and Dollar General have donated new coolers, concessions

equipment, and kitchen utensils.

Again, I want to reassure everyone that every possible action has

been taken to ensure a clean and healthy environment. I am extremely

pleased with how quickly the University Administration has responded

to our needs. Please know that all of our equipment, concessions,

and summer band facilities are of the best quality during the next

few weeks. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to

contact me at philip.obado@....

Sincerely,

Philip A. Obado

Director of Bands

University High School