District 95 plans for school air quality

Lake Zurich Elementary District 95 officials have begun monthly air quality tests in all of their buildings, with a plan that calls for immediate action when a problem is discovered - something they hope will alleviate the worries of students, the staff and parents.

The plan calls for all eight school buildings, as well as support buildings, to be monitored for temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, various fungi and other airborne contaminants such as asbestos and chemicals.

Testing began in early October. All rooms will be inspected monthly, and different tests will occur in the rooms each month. Certain tests, such as those for carbon monoxide and humidity, will be conducted more often.

"If something is not up to code or regulated, then our process is to fix it," Director of Facilities Rick Marzec said. "Our process is to make sure we are a top operating school district."

The school board in September approved $24,500 to be spent on equipment and hiring companies to conduct tests, Marzec said.

If repairs are necessary, the district, which is strapped for cash, will use funds from the facilities and equipment repair budget. That budget is about $3 million, Marzec said.

The simpler tests will be conducted by the district staff, while major tests, such as those for lead and asbestos, will be hired out.

The district has always had some air quality monitoring but never a formal plan with dates and goals.

School board member John Kropf said the board's decision to approve the plan was largely determined by residents' concern about May Whitney Elementary School.

Just before the school year began, small amounts of asbestos-containing materials were found in pipe insulation in mechanical rooms and floor tiles, but none was found in the air. Officials with the district and with the agency that performed the tests have assured parents that the building is safe.

But some inaccessible areas above ceilings were not tested, and roof leaks have parents concerned that if there is asbestos up there, it could be disturbed and create a health hazard.

Kropf said he hopes the plan, with necessary maintenance, will give parents some reassurance about the school's air environment.

"We have a firm commitment to provide a safe learning environment for students and faculty and staff," Kropf said. "We are trying to address the concerns of the community."