GCS Continues to Address Concerns at Oak Ridge Elementary

Several parents and staff members have voiced ongoing air quality and environmental concerns

Contact: Haley Miller (336) 370-3200
Created: 5/28/2009 10:59:50 PM

Guilford County Schools (GCS) is continuing to address facility concerns at Oak Ridge Elementary. GCS staff, along with Guilford County Department of Public Health officials, provided the Guilford County Board of Education with an update during the board meeting on Tuesday.

This weekend, facilities staff members will clean all carpets in the school with an antimicrobial solution. Normally, this type of cleaning would be done over the summer, but GCS is expediting the process given the multiple concerns at the school.

In addition, although the HVAC system has been found to be working properly, GCS will continue to look at the calculations in each room of the school to check for any issues.

Over the summer, the district will put down VCT tile in all areas that have carpeting, and all mechanical systems will be thoroughly cleaned and inspected. The district will also continue to work with health officials, consultants, engineers and other experts to develop a plan of action for the summer. Before school starts in August, facilities staff will perform extensive tests as deemed necessary throughout the school.

“We want to find a solution to these concerns,” said Leo Bobadilla, chief operations officer. “The health and safety of our students is always our number one priority.”

The health department is developing a survey to start collecting medical information. The survey is being designed to help health officials understand the cause of the allergic and respiratory illnesses reported by students and staff at the school.

In order to keep parents, employees and community members informed and up-to-date, GCS has created a Web site, linked below. The site contains background information, report findings and important links and resources.

http://www.gcsnc.com/oakridge/oak_ridge.html

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.