Mold indicative of facility problems

June 13, 2006

Sarasota Herald-Tribune - Sarasota,FL

AID=/20060613/OPINION/606130360/1029

Health factors are a large issue regarding the Rudolph

buildings at Riverview High School. I wonder how the

preservationists would feel if their son or daughter were sitting

inside a building with severe and persistent mold problems? I have

been informed by teachers at RHS that there is a mold problem.

My daughter struggled with cold and flu symptoms for all four years

at RHS, but this last year has been the worst (due to the number of

classes she had in the old buildings). After a year of constant

colds, flu symptoms and bronchitis; several courses of antibiotics;

and numerous missed days of school, our now-graduated daughter is

remarkably better!

I'll have a sophomore and freshman at RHS next year. I am worried

they will also begin to have health problems due to the mold, as

they start attending more classes in the old buildings.

I have a great appreciation for the unique architecture created by

Rudolph and others included in the Sarasota School of Architects.

However, this building has become a hazard to those whom it is

supposed to benefit. In light of the fact that Riverview is a

designated public school (and the location will need to remain a

school), it has to be beneficial for that purpose. To warrant saving

the building, it must have merits other than being a Rudolph

design. It has to accommodate future student growth, provide for the

necessary technology they will need and, most of all, be safe.

The original building is not safe, and professionals have determined

that it would be unreasonable to bring the building up to the

standards necessary for a high school. With health issues at hand,

and students' futures being affected, this cannot be delayed any

longer!

Adelaide Aurelius

Sarasota

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