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Mold suit plaintiffs accuse Weakley Co. Schools of fraud

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Mold suit plaintiffs accuse Weakley Co. Schools of fraud

By TAJUANA CHESHIER

tcheshier@...

• February 27, 2009

Sun - ,TN,USA

http://www.jacksonsun.com/article/20090227/NEWS01/902270320

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The issue of mold in two Weakley County schools continues to be

debated in court as plaintiffs accuse the school system of fraud in

an amended complaint filed this month.

A news release from Memphis attorney Larry Parrish states that the

Weakley County School Board denied that a mold problem existed at

Westview High School when the board knew of the problem as early as

1998.

In 1998 and 1999 school memos, school officials discuss a " heavy

mold ... evident on the gym concrete bleacher areas " and " numerous

ceiling tiles stained from condensation, " the release states.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs also state the board of education sued

H & M Construction because on or about March 13, 1998, plaintiffs or

school officials noticed substantial moisture problems and a high

humidity level inside Westview High School. The moisture caused

microbial growth, mildew and mold throughout the school, thereby

damaging the school structure.

The case was first publicized in 2007 when and Joost

filed a lawsuit on behalf of their son. Later Carol Hinman and her

children filed a lawsuit against Weakley County schools because of

health concerns.

Hinman initially sought an injunction to close Westview and

Middle until the problem was remedied. The judge did not issue an

injunction.

Hinman has said her children tested positive for mold exposure.

In the months following the court hearings, the school system has

worked to address the mold issue, according to Amber , an

attorney who represents Hinman and the Joosts.

" They have taken a positive approach to remediation (cleaning the

mold), " said.

Attorney Pannu represents the Weakley County School Board and

said in court last year that the system began efforts to replace

insulation on pipes at Westview High School.

said the court ordered a third-party inspection of Westview

High School and Middle School, which was completed Jan. 16.

Both schools were inspected, and inspectors discovered water damage

and visible mold growth.

" The schools have done a good job with remediating some of the areas,

but there are still areas that need to be remediated, " said.

The Joost family is seeking punitive damages against the school

system, but a dollar amount has not yet been determined, said.

Hinman has asked the school system to make sure the school is safe

for its students, she added.

Westview High School is home to more than 700 students and is

approximately 145,000 square feet.

Visit jacksonsun.com to share your thoughts.

-Tajuana Cheshier,

425-9643

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