Air-quality problems close Artondale Elementary School this week

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Air-quality problems close Artondale Elementary School this week

Kris Sherman; The News Tribune

Artondale Elementary School in Gig Harbor will be closed the remainder of

this week while indoor-air quality experts and cleaning crews try to find

and fix what's been making students and staff members sick.

Since all Peninsula area schools are closed next week for mid-winter break,

that means the next regular school day for Artondale students is Feb. 25.

But Principal Kathy Weymiller said the school will not be reopened until the

problems are corrected.

Superintendent Jim Coolican told parents during a meeting Friday night that

Artondale students will resume classes after mid-winter break, whether or

not their building is ready. Officials hadn't decided how that might be

accomplished.

Students and staff members have been complaining for more than a year about

headaches, breathing problems, rashes and other mysterious symptoms that in

many cases go away once they leave the school.

© The News Tribune

02/11/2002