Mold scrubbed from classroom

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http://www.connpost.com/Stories/0,1002,3750%257E275921,00.html

Friday, December 14, 2001 - 6:59:25 AM MST

Mold scrubbed from classroom

By ANTHONY SPINELLI

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MILFORD -- The mold problem at F. Kennedy Elementary School is more

than a smelly nuisance, some parents and educators say.

It's a job hazard, said of Milford, a kindergarten

teacher at Kennedy.

said Thursday she has used up at least six of her 15 allotted sick

days already this school year. The mold inflames her allergies, she said.

" It's a serious problem, " said , who is filing a claim with a

private worker's compensation insurance firm because she has taken so many

sick days over the mold.

School officials acknowledge the mold problem, but say it presents no

hazard. It's confined to one fourth-grade classroom, Room 22, which has been

closed for several weeks, they say.

Workers are rushing to scrub the mold from the building, said Supt. Jo

Kramer.

The moldy area between the ceiling and roof is being scrubbed and

decontaminated with ultraviolet light so students can return to the

classroom in a week or so, she said.

" We'll bring in a consultant to go through the whole school, " Kramer said.

" We've taken mold out wherever we find it. We are doing everything that is

appropriate to do. "

The city's health director, Dr. England, has reported no increase in

illnesses at the school due to mold.

Kennedy has a mold problem, but " it's not a sick school, " said Joan Politi,

chairwoman of the Board of Education. " We're doing everything we can and I

would ask parents to be patient. "

But that's not enough to satisfy parent Leigh Ann . The mold is making

kids sick, she said.

" My daughter has complained that -- during school hours only -- she has

difficulty breathing and catching her breath, " said.

Seven petitions are circulating at the school voicing parental concerns

about the mold, said -- including one with 20 signatures that a

parent presented to the school board at its meeting Tuesday.

Parent Debbie Groppuso said the moldy smell is noticeable to students and

visitors.

" As soon as you walk in, you notice an earthy smell, " Groppuso said. She

said her 10-year-old daughter, Shelby, came down with hives at the school in

late November.

" The doctor said it was an allergic reaction, " Groppuso said.

The school is near wetlands, but school officials said the problem stems

from the aging roof. The long-term solution is to replace the roof and make

other repairs.

That will cost more than $200,000, and the school board hopes to get the

money in capital improvement funds in time to do the work next summer.

Spinelli, who covers Milford, can be reached at 878-2130.