Workers remove moldy tile at F. Kennedy School

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February 20, 2002

Workers remove moldy tile at school

a Da Costa-Fernandes, Register Staff

MILFORD - When students return to the F. Kennedy School Monday, a

contractor will have removed two rows of mold-ridden tiles from 30

classrooms. But some parents disagreed this week whether school officials

should conduct an evaluation of student health once the work is completed.

Parent Jill Emmons said Monday that school officials should monitor

students' health.

" Evaluating students' health is part of the mold problem. We need to be

monitoring that mold content is at a normal level and that it's not

affecting the health of our children, " she said.

Parent Kate Lanzaro, however, said she believes that evaluation of student

health following the remediation work would be unproductive.

" Students' health is not going to all of a sudden change, " said Lanzaro.

The school's mold problem, she said, is not restricted to the roof. Floor

tiles are popping up because of underground moisture seepage, she said.

" They (school officials) need to come up with funds. They are trying to do

everything the cheap way. In the long run, it is going to cost them more.

They need to replace the whole roof, " she said.

The issue of health evaluation arose during a recent meeting at the school,

when parent Leanne Lofaro asked whether school officials would monitor

whether students' allergic reactions subside.

Lofaro posed her question to Philip G. , the district's director of

maintenance. could not be reached Monday, but at the meeting he said

Lofaro's question is a " doctor's issue. "

also told Lofaro that the school was turning a corner dealing with

air quality problems. " I think you will see a difference after this week, "

he said.

Lofaro said she was " very satisfied " with the district's response.

" I appreciate all the efforts they have put into it. It was not easy for

them to develop this, " she said about the remediation work and the

district's new indoor air quality action plan.

Following recommendations by an independent industrial hygienist, the

district last week hired a contractor to remove ceiling tiles and insulation

containing high levels of mold. The $20,000 project is expected to be

completed by Friday.

Concerns about air quality and respiratory problems among staff and students

at the school arose following reports of an odor problem Nov. 13. Classroom

22 was sealed after a large area of mold was found. The room's contaminated

ceiling was later removed.

Teacher said beginning remediation work this week was a " good

start. " However, urged school officials to " follow through with

everything " and monitor people's health.

©New Haven Register 2002