|
Milton Elementary ready for students
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070820/NEWS01/708200307/1009&theme=
By Lauren Ober
Free Press Staff Writer
August 20, 2007
MILTON -- Last year at this time, Amanda Vaughn was fretting over how she was going to teach a class full of
third-graders in the Milton Elementary School art room.
The art room would have been a fine location for instruction had Vaughn actually been the art teacher and not one
of the many teachers displaced by the infestation of mold throughout much of the elementary school building. While
crews worked to dry and clean her classroom, Vaughn had to make do in a room full of easels and paintbrushes. As
a new teacher to the district, this wasn't how she had envisioned the start of her Milton career.
This year, Vaughn is back in her own space, the classroom into which she was finally able to move her students in
May. As she unpacked boxes last week, she marveled at the new cupboards, shelves and flooring that were added
after the mold was cleaned out.
"It was like Christmas!" Vaughn said about when she first saw her newly remodeled classroom. "Everything was
new."
The mold problem was discovered last August after a spate of oppressive heat and humidity created perfect
conditions for spore growth, but the building's maintenance staff had been dealing with mold issues at the school for
years. A leaking roof, poor ventilation and drainage problems contributed to the spread of mold throughout 75
percent of the school.
Because of the mold, the start of school was delayed by three weeks. When school resumed, a number of classes
were held at Catamount Industrial Park and at the United Church of Milton. Many teachers on the first floor were
relocated to higher ground or spaces not affected by the mold, such as the gym.
The mold problem was the worst any school in Vermont had ever dealt with, and the repair work is still going on. By
June 30, the district had spent nearly $4.5 million to rid the building of mold and fix the problems that allowed the
mold. That's a huge chunk of money and one of the reasons for the increase in the recently passed school budget.
New superintendent Marty Waldron said that outlay of funds was essential and the building is in much better shape
this school year.
"Everything we know says the building is ready for staff and students. We've done everything we've been advised to
do," Waldron said.
In the year since the mold was discovered, much work has been completed to make the school habitable. Most of the
roof was ripped off and replaced, although one area, which is not over any classrooms, needs repairing. New
drainage portals had to be constructed to carry water away from the school, and regrading work was recently
completed that should keep water from pooling in the building.
To keep the building cool and free of humidity, large fans and dehumidifiers have been placed throughout to prevent
moist air from settling anywhere. The building is not equipped with a central air conditioning system and in the
summer humidity, it's easy for mold to develop. Waldron said the district is intent on equipping the building with air
conditioning and is taking proposals for the installation.
"We wanted to make sure that until we had a permanent solution, we were dealing with it as best we could,"
Waldron said.
While the teachers are only too happy to start their year on time in their own rooms, it wasn't all bad last year, says
third/fourth-grade teacher Keirin McNamara. Like Vaughn's, last school year was McNamara's first at Milton, but
instead of the art room, her class was relocated to the fifth/sixth-grade wing. She says it gave her a chance to
associate with teachers she would not normally spend time with. Plus, her students liked the novelty of the move.
"They got to meet fifth- and sixth-graders, so it was kind of cool. They kind of liked being with the older kids,"
McNamara said.
Vaughn students didn't mind the moving around, either, but she's definitely looking forward to starting the year in her
own classroom, she said.
"Kids are pretty resilient. We don't give them enough credit," Vaughn said. "But they're so much easier to manage
when they have their own space."
Contact Lauren Ober at 660-1868 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
---------------------------
Lesson learned: Mold-free Milton Elementary ready for students
http://www.boston.com/news/local/vermont/articles/2007/08/20/lesson_learned_mold_free_milton_elementary_ready_for_students/
August 20, 2007
MILTON, Vt. --A year after the discovery of mold delayed its opening, Milton Elementary School is now mold-free and ready for a new school year -- in a clean building.
The town spent at least $4.5 million to repair the roof, improve the building's ventilation system and fix drainage problems.
"Everything we know says the building is ready for staff and students. We've done everything we've been advised to do," said new Superintendent Marty Waldron.
The extent of the mold problem was discovered a year ago, after a stretch of oppressive heat and humidity. But the building's maintenance staff had been dealing with mold for years.
The mold problem delayed the start of school for three weeks. Many classes were moved into locations outside the building.
Some considered the mold problem the worst any Vermont school had ever dealt with. Repairs are still under way. By June 30 the school had spent nearly $4.5 million.
Last year, third grade teacher Amanda Vaughn taught in an art room. Now she's back in her own classroom.
"It was like Christmas." Vaughn said. "Everything was new."
------
Information from: The Burlington Free Press, http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com
|
