Newhart Middle passes mold test

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Newhart Middle passes mold test

OCRegister - Orange County,CA,

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/life/education/article_1195609.p

hp

Inspection at Mission Viejo school finds slight water damage, no

major problems.

By SAM MILLER

The Orange County Register

A mold inspection at Newhart Middle in Mission Viejo found rust and

water damage but no significant mold issues in eight portable

classrooms, a Pasadena industrial hygienist reported.

Rosenberg tested the classrooms in May, after parents

complained that the buildings had water damage and poor circulation.

She found a few square inches of " minimal mold growth " in one

classroom but said the classrooms otherwise showed mold levels

consistent with the air outside the portables.

" Levels were well within acceptable levels and should not pose a

reason for heightened concern, " she wrote in a report to the

district.

A PTA report on Newhart facilities in May raised concerns about

crowding, mold, and poor maintenance that have " negatively impacted

on the ability to develop students' school community spirit. "

Rosenberg, a senior industrial hygienist at Executive Environmental

Services, was hired by the Capistrano Unified School District.

While the mold report came back mostly clean, Rosenberg did identify

problems in most of the classrooms.

Water-stained carpets, wet ceiling tiles, musty odors, rust stains

and damage to hardwood paneling showed water intrusion in all of the

classrooms.

One portable classroom, used to store musical instruments, had a

musty odor and water-stained carpets. The instruments, according to

the report, " should be relocated as soon as possible. "

Rosenberg suggested replacing ceiling tiles, worn carpeting and

water-damaged wood panels.

Dan Crawford, deputy superintendent of support services for the

district, said most of the portables tested are on their way out.

The building used to store the instruments has been emptied and will

be replaced this summer; four other classrooms will be replaced by

January, he said.

He said the district will be fixing other water-damaged areas this

summer.

Rosenberg recommended the classrooms be retested after summer

renovations, before students return.

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