Air Quality Tested In Portable Classrooms

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Air Quality Tested In Portable Classrooms

NewsChannel5.com - Nashville,TN*

Posted: Aug 4, 2008

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=8786989

LORETTO, Tenn. - A major budget shortfall not only has the Lawrence

County school district in a tight financial bind but it's

threatening the safety and welfare of the students.

Some Lawrence County parents describe the portable units as death

traps. Their children attend classes in the units.

" I really became concerned at the beginning of last school year when

my son was going to be spending his entire day in the portable

classrooms, " said Kersteins, a South Lawrence Elementary

School parent.

Many of the units are more than 15 years old. Five units were

condemned after being declared unsafe for students.

But the school district doesn't have the money to replace them.

" He would come home almost on a daily basis with a headache, "

Kersteins said. " While school was in session, he had upper

respiratory problems - congestion, coughing. Things like that. "

" It's not just the children, what about the teachers who also would

have to deal with the long-term effects, " said one woman.

For years, students have used portable classrooms because the small

school is overcrowded.

" Now, it's turned into an air quality issue, " said Principal Kiley

Weathers.

He said air quality tests revealed that at least five of the units

are contaminated with mold.

" We're having a large problem trying to find places where

instruction can go on, " he said.

County Commissioner said the county is working to

address the issue, but a tight budget is holding back a $3 million

project to add an additional building on campus.

" I don't think we can put a price tag on the health of our kids, " he

said.

" I want these portables gone and classrooms that are safe, "

Kersteins said.

The county commission wants to add an additional $25 vehicle tax to

raise money. But they are receiving some negative feedback from some

in the Lawrence County community.

Schools open in the county on Wednesday.

The local PTO will meet Monday night at the school to discuss this

issue.

The director of schools will also be on hand to discuss details of

the air quality report that was done on the mobile units.