Monroe Chat

Mold, water damage discovered at schoolBy Lindsey Hilty, Staff Writer
11:07 AM Thursday, July 16, 2009

Construction workers have discovered mold and water damage in the walls of D. Russel Lee.

In the process of remodeling the facility, Butler Tech officials said they learned the original 1975 building’s shell walls had water damage where rainwater had been leaking into the facility. The moisture damage and some mold growth concealed in the cavities of several areas in the structure weren’t discovered until the walls were recently opened, officials said.

“We’re examining the extent of the moisture damage,” Solazzo said. “Certainly it’s adding work to the project, which obviously takes time. There’s no question there will be an additional cost to it.”

How much time or cost has yet to be determined, he said. Also, while the district’s goal is to open the facility by the start of the school year, it will be working on a contingency plan for alternate locations if necessary. If it opens, he said it will be clean and ready for students. Communication with the staff, students, and associate school districts of Butler Tech has already begun and will continue throughout this construction project, he said.

Butler Tech officials said they have sealed off all affected areas and relocated personnel to the Education Resource Center next door where they still can be reached at their regular phone numbers. Isolating the ventilation system has made it safe to hold adult education classes in newer sections of the building where no moisture damage exists, they said.

“There have never been any health complaints associated with it,” Solazzo said. “We just want to be proactive.”

The damage cleanup involves removing exterior brick and cleaning from the outside inward. Workers will reinstall the brick in a manner to prevent future moisture intrusion. Solazzo said it appears the damage was caused by flashing on the roof.

“Certainly you don’t expect moisture damage, but its not unusual with a building of that age and with as many additions as we’ve had,” he said.

The district is working with an environmental consulting firm to perform air quality testing throughout the building. It also has contacted the Butler County Health Department to advise them on any potential health and safety issues as it resolves the problem

Anyone interested in the D. Russel Lee construction project can visit www.butlertech.org. Specific concerns or questions should be directed to the new D. Russel Lee Construction Hotline at 513-645-8338.