Paddock School passes pollution test

The results of an air quality study are in, and Stuart R. Paddock School passed.

At parents' behest, Palatine Township Elementary School District 15 hired an independent firm for $5,000 to test airborne mold concentrations, humidity, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide concentrations and more.

All levels fell within generally accepted limits and "no recommendations are considered necessary," according to the 36-page report by Yorkville-based Midwest Environmental Consulting Services Inc.

About 25 parents and staff attended a meeting at the Palatine school Thursday afternoon to hear the findings.

"The bottom line is the building is clean," said Assistant Superintendent Rebecca Allard.

Last spring, parents approached administrators with concerns over potential fallout from the school's pesky roof. Leaks are a frequent occurrence, as are emergency patch jobs that totaled $5,000 over a 12-month period through early 2008. Built in 1954, Paddock still has timber rafters conducive to mold - the real red flag for parents.

"It could be a classroom, a hallway, the teachers' lounge," said Principal Guy Herrmann. "We've had some leaky roof issues but I'm encouraged by the positive news."

Mold is suspected in a few warped ceiling tiles, but "it doesn't affect the air we're breathing," said David Sloman, the consultant who collected 90 samples from outside the building and virtually every room inside.

Parent Vicki Wilson said she's relieved the air was deemed safe, but questions the test's timing. The environmental firm visited Paddock on Aug. 15, when the school is empty and "squeaky clean."

"I'd like a follow-up test during the winter when kids have been in the building and the ventilation isn't as good," said Wilson.

Sloman said mold counts wouldn't change significantly.

Jenny Schmuhl, the parent of a third-grade daughter, plans to read the report before reaching a final conclusion.

"The school is really on top of this," she said. "We have a leg up and can now implement practical solutions."

PTA President Jennifer DeFranco said many parents expected the study to find problems and may find the results hard to swallow. And until the school board approves capital projects funding, it's status quo at Paddock.

Said DeFranco: "Could we fix water leaks? Sure. Could we put in a new ceiling? Sure. Is there money to do everything we'd want to do? No."