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This opinion article by a parent of a child soon to occupy an unsafe, previously flooded school, asks the mayor of the town to step in and answer her questions. (SMH)
YOUR VIEW: Looking for answers on Pulaski School flooding
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080814/OPINION/808140329/-1/NEWS01
August 14, 2008 6:00 AM
As mayor and chairman ex officio of the School Committee, New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang has been provided factual information that includes video of testimony that is on public record, photos, EPA documents, and video of actual events related to the interior flooding of the Pulaski School.
It is fact that Pulaski School was flooded by unclean water. It is fact that there is a direct impact on health and learning abilities in moisture-impacted schools. It is a fact that Pulaski School continues to flood.
Whereas my child, as well as many others, will be attending the Pulaski School in a short few weeks, I would request that for my own and the public interest and peace of mind, Mayor Lang clarify with facts that the Pulaski School is being taken care of.
He should answer the following questions so that the faculty, parents and I know for a fact that we are sending our children into an environment that is safe, clean and healthy.
If testing of air quality and mold have been completed related to the interior flooding of the Pulaski School, when? What type of testing? By whom? What are the results?
If testing of air quality and mold have not been completed, when will it be? What type of testing? By whom? What is the anticipated date of results?
What plan has been put in place to prevent further flooding of the interior of Pulaski School? By whom? Construction schedule? Date of completion?
What are the approved modifications to the detention basin effecting flooding at Pulaski School? Construction schedule? Date of completion?
Regarding the flood water clean up at Pulaski School not deemed "clean" by EPA standards, when did the clean ups occur? By whom? What procedure and process was taken for the clean up? What follow-up to the cleaning process was there?
Regarding the standing water in close proximity to the school (detention pond and catch basins), who is applying mosquito treatment to the water? What is the current treatment schedule?
If it is not being treated, what plan has been implemented in regards to outdoor activities at the Pulaski School?
While there are other issues at Pulaski School, the answers to these questions would ensure that our children's immediate health and safety have been addressed in an appropriate and timely manner. I do not feel that the answers to these questions are unreasonable. They will go a long way toward ensuring the community that the situation is being taken care of.
I look forward to Mayor Lang's response.
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