Black mold cleanup company threatens to sue schools

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http://www.detnews.com/2002/macomb/0202/16/d05-417188.htm

Firm demands apology from Romeo district

Black mold cleanup company threatens to sue schools

By Santiago Esparza / The Detroit News

ROMEO -- An environmental firm is demanding that the Romeo Board of

Education and Supt. Kingsnorth retract negative comments made about the

company involved in the controversial black mold cleanup at Washington

Elementary.

Kalamazoo-based Wonder Makers Inc. sent letters that threaten court

action if retractions aren't made.

Wonder Makers officials claimed Romeo school officials questioned the

company's qualifications. The company also said the officials alleged the

company may have intentionally given false data to the district and that

school officials unfairly questioned the findings.

" It is just a letter. I get letters all the time, " Kingsnorth said. " I

have talked with our attorneys and they said it's not a suit. "

Wonder Makers president Pinto referred questions about the

letters to his attorney Norman Yatuna. Yatuna could not be reached for

comment.

Black mold, which in large quantities can cause severe breathing

problems, was discovered in the school last spring. School officials had

received complaints from staffers about breathing problems.

Kingsnorth hired Wonder Makers in May for the cleanup. The company told

the district the mold problem required extensive work, but three firms later

hired by the district disputed Wonder Makers' conclusion about the problem's

scope.

Wonder Makers recommendations included major roof renovations and carpet

replacement. District officials spent more than $600,000 to remove desks and

other items from the school, clean them and then put in storage. Ceiling

tiles were replaced, and walls were checked for signs of mold.

Washington students started fall classes at other schools in the

district. Students in grades three through five returned to the school last

month.

Wilkinson pulled her children from the school, and said she is

still angered by the controversy.

" Whether it has been cleaned adequately or not, I don't know because I am

not a microbiologist, " Wilkinson said. " So, I have to trust (district)

officials. Right now, I really don't. "

You can reach Santiago Esparza at (586) 468-0520 or sesparza@....