Elementary to get Health Check

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(from Chicago Daily Herald) Thursday January 24 08:23 AM EST school to get health check By Waldron Daily Herald Staff Writer The firm overseeing mold removal and repair work at St. East High School will inspect Elementary School this week to look into a series of health-related complaints from staff members at the 48-year-old building. Superintendent Francis Kostel said the check is a "proactive" measure being taken after a staff member was diagnosed with cancer and several students and staff members developed respiratory problems. The district entered into a $5,000 contract with Carnow, Conibear & Associates to expand the firm's work from St. East to . By the end of the week the firm's president, Shirley Conibear, and an industrial hygienist will tour the building and talk with staff members throughout the school. They will not being taking air samples. From there the firm will write a report and make suggestions on further action. Given the situation at St. East and the history of second-guessing around the district, Principal Hildreth welcomed the inspection "I am very happy the district has called in people who know what to do," he said. "I hope they come out here and find there is nothing wrong. And I hope people accept that." Kostel said the concerns were brought to his attention in December. Information collected by Hildreth shows 12 staff members have contracted various forms of cancer in the last 27 years and seven staff members have complained of respiratory problems in the last 20. And last month, Hildreth said, three parents raised concerns about their children's health. St. Education Association Vice President Mack said staff members brought the concerns about the building to union representatives, who in turn set up a meeting with district administrators. Mack said feedback she is getting shows many teachers involved have been pleased with the district's initial response. "We are trying to learn from past challenges," she said. "I am feeling hopeful right now. I know they (administrators) are quickly working to re-establish trust. So far I think we are on the right track and I hope it continues." The developments at drew quick - and what some called understandable - comparisons to early complaints about air quality and other health issues at St. East before toxic mold was discovered there last year. "It's very natural for these parents to start thinking about what is going on at St. East High School," Regional Superintendent Clem Mejia said. "That's not out of bounds." Mejia said he has received phone calls from at least two parents who have began relaying their concerns to the school district after Thanksgiving. Mejia advised district officials to take swift action. "If there is something there, you have to deal with it," he said. Administrators at the school were preparing for a flood of parents' questions about the coming inspection. "It's worth looking into," said Rod Devries, who serves as PTO vice president. District officials say they are using the case as a test run for a new protocol to handle health or safety complaints raised by parents, students and staff members. The goal, Kostel said, is to have a procedure in place to handle every complaint as it surfaces. Health: Parents approve of district's swift action