Health officials give all clear to schools

Despite the rumors flying around town regarding black mold at Poinciana Elementary School, and out-of-control vermin at Gerald Adams Elementary School, both buildings have been given an all clear from inspectors.

In the case of Poinciana, a mold clearance certificate was issued Aug. 5 by Air Intellect, LLC, to the district in care of Assistant Director of Maintenance Jeff Barrow. The certificate attests to the successful correction of an aspergillus penicillioides issue in two of its classrooms. A plan to deal with the problem was issued on June 23 by Consolidated Environmental Engineering, LLC, a Florida-licensed mold remediation company.

The seven-step process outlined in the proposed cleaning scope included air scrubbing, and removing posters and other wall decorations in order to get at every nook and cranny in two rooms.

The problem, apparently, was caused by faulty ventilation grills, which have since been replaced.

At Gerald Adams, a report from the State of Florida Department of Health on Sept. 15 found the school in a "satisfactory" state with a few caveats relating to playground equipment, restrooms and ceiling tiles in the aging building.

The only mention of vermin was an order to remove a pile of trash near portable classroom five to prevent any infestation issues. The inspector also found a number of lighting issues which were ordered corrected.

"Without a doubt, facilities maintenance takes up most of my time in district operations," said Executive Director of Operations and Planning Pat Lefere. "Considering our geography, environment, facility age and past fiscal restraints that limited proper preventive maintenance, it is a significant challenge and we are still very much in catch-up mode.

"Thankfully, the leadership of Superintendent Porter and the efforts of Jim Drake and his finance team have put us in a better position to start making much-needed improvements at all of our facilities," said Lefere. "This comes as welcome relief to our Maintenance Department employees who are eager to improve the condition of our schools. While understaffed and until recently underfunded, this group of professionals takes pride in the schools that they maintain and wants nothing more than to provide a safe and secure quality learning environment for the students, teachers and staff of Monroe County Schools."

Lefere also made the link between school maintenance and the coming referendum on whether or not to reauthorize the half-cent sales tax that brings in about $15 million per year to district coffers.

"Some of the improvements and repairs we have been able to make at the schools over the last year were funded directly by the half-cent sales tax revenue that the district receives," he said. "That income source expires on Dec. 31, 2015. A second 10-year renewal of this levy is on the ballot for the general election on Nov. 4. If approved, this renewal would not only enable the district to continue improvements and renovations, but would also allow us to replace some of our older schools with new and more modern facilities. The referendum would also allow the district to upgrade both our security and safety infrastructure, and our technology resources."

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Health officials give all clear to schools