1996-04-30 School Committee Minutes

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REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 APRIL 30, 1996 Dr. Harutuman said that Dr. Smuts' information stated as long as the carpeting is cleaned in the manner suggested by the Maryland State Department of Education there should not be a problem. Dr. Harutunian said a cost of a change order would be $70,000 - $100,000. Ms. Carrick thanked Dr. Harutuman for walking through this situation with her. She commented that every child should be considered and added that there was no indoor air quality to meet the standards. She said she was most concerned about the classroom for children affected with asthma and allergies. Ms. Carrick stated that Asthma is the 41 health issue among children and the leading cause of absences. She noted the chemicals used in the manufacturing and installation of carpeting (VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds) may also cause health problems. Parent Mary Williams explained the higher cost of carpet installation and the added expense of maintaining carpeting compared with VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile). Dr. Harutunian stated that the installation cost of carpeting and tile are almost the same because of the large amount of carpet being ordered by the contractor on various jobs. Design Partnership representative, Vincent Pelleriti, advised that we would need 6 vacuum cleaners. Dr. Harutunian added that the filters are $100 each and last for a 100 hours. Mr. Pelleriti explained that the carpet installation on concrete with a vapor barrier should prevent mold formation under the carpet. The Superintendent stated that Dr. Smuts was pleased with the way the cement floor was installed. When asked about the custodian staff, Dr. Harutunian explained it will stay the same at Parker Middle School next year. The square footage of buildings will indicate where more custo- dians will be needed. Ms. Williams expressed concern that years from now the decison to carpet will be an expensive one. She noted that a child with carpet- related health problems may have to be bussed to the Coolidge Middle School. School Building Committee member Russ Graham said Dr. Delaney was originally looking at tile and after investigating other schools he made the decision to go to carpeting. He stated the School Building Committee's concern that a change order at this time will be expensive and could delay the opening of school in the fall. Dr. Delaney said he does not want to install a product that would be a health risk and that he had investigated installations at several other schools and had spoken with the custodians at the schools and was satisfied carpeting is safe.