F. Kennedy School Funds aimed at mold removal

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Funds aimed at mold removal

McCready, Register Staff April 23, 2002

MILFORD - Mayor Richetelli Jr. said Monday he's earmarking $400,000 in

his capital improvement plan to help eradicate mold at F. Kennedy

School.

Richetelli said the $400,000 will include re-coating the school's

12-year-old roof and purchasing rooftop air conditioning units to help with

ventilation.

Air quality concerns at Kennedy surfaced in November when one classroom

tested positive for mold. School officials said that was the only problem

area and replaced sections of the roof's ceiling tiles, cleaned, and hired

an expert to address mold concerns.

But in December numerous students and faculty complained the building was

making them ill and last month two teachers requested and were given

transfers because of developing symptoms while teaching at the school.

" The school board hired a hygienist who came in and made recommendations to

handle the moisture control concerns, " Richetelli said.

The Board of Education had requested in its capital improvement plan money

for re-coating the roof and purchasing the air conditioning units.

Richetelli said the Planning and Zoning Board and the Board of Aldermen must

approve his plan.

" I think Kennedy will absolutely be funded, " the mayor said.

The Board of Education will solicit bids for the work and Richetelli said he

will request that the aldermen issue a bond authorization to cover the

project cost.

Work could commence this summer and would hopefully be completed before the

start of the next school year, he said.

District Director of Management Services Philip said the mayor's

announcement is " excellent news. "

said he's uncertain how many rooftop units the district will

purchase. The air conditioning units will operate year-round and help bring

in outside air into the school, he said.

" The increased air circulation and ventilation will greatly increase the air

quality of the school, " said.

The district has spent more than $30,000 removing mold from the school.

Aldermanic Majority Leader Jack Fowler, R-1, said if spending $400,000 on

the roof re-coating and the purchase of air conditioning units will solve

the problem, he'll support the expenditure.

McCready can be reached at bmccready@... , or 876-6800.

©New Haven Register 2002