Officials declare JMS safe, clean of mold

July 31, 2006

By Mims

Friday, July 28, 2006 10:47 PM CDT

Clanton Advertiser

Clanton, Alabama

JEMISON - Chilton County School officials say Jemison Middle School

will be a safe place for students to return to this August.

The School Maintenance Department has spent an estimated $150,000 on

repairs and renovations in an effort to address concerns brought up

by parents and an ensuing Health Department investigation.

The Board of Education also hired an engineer to address many of the

school's electrical problems, including the installation of a new

fire alarm system.

" We see no reason why everything won't be open and ready for

school, " said BOE president Ann Glasscock. " Anything that was a

health hazard or safety issue has been addressed. "

Public Health Senior Environmentalist said all areas

where mold was found growing had been stripped and pressure washed,

and carpet had been either replaced or cleaned and disinfected.

When students return Aug. 16, they will find brand new tile in

restrooms, motion-activated plumbing fixtures, two new water

fountains, new ceilings and lighting in classrooms, he said.

To address security concerns, old classroom doors and locks were

replaced with new ones, he added.

" The changes have made a tremendous difference, " said. " It's

still an old building, but it looks nothing like it did when the

kids left up there. "

A recent inspection of the school conducted by the Health Department

found that only minor items pending the completion of contracts had

yet to be completed.

" It appears that the majority of problems have been addressed, and

they're working on the remainder of these items and they should be

competed within the next week or 10 days, " estimated.

The Health Department will conduct one final walk-through of the

school before the new school year.

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