East Providence, Rhode Island
By:mesothelioma.com
District officials for East Providence, Rhode Island schools say that despite the fact that an estimated $16 million worth of work is unfinished, students will return to for the 2009-2010 school year on time.
Harsh words have been used to describe the state of these schools, which some say have "glaring infrastructure deficiencies", and are "a death trap". The city's building inspector used the latter term to describe East Providence High School, the biggest high school in the state, which also doubles as a shelter in case of emergency.
Two elementary schools in the district, James R.D. Oldham and Agnes B. Hennessey, are also facing scrutiny because they have "massive roof leaks." Superintendent Mario Cirillo has told local families that he is "well aware of all facility issues that need to be addressed." East Providence is home to 13 schools.
The state of the district is so dire that emergency contracts have been issued to help clear up the most pressing issues. One contract was awarded to a local construction company for asbestos removal and exterior and interior door work at the high school. Asbestos removal is required by law, as asbestos exposure - even in small amounts - may cause the eventual development of mesothelioma cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases.
The jobs were completed just before school was back in session. In the words of district chief operating officer Lonnie Barham, "We're ready to rock." Barham went on to say, "First and foremost, it must be stated up front that every safety issue will be corrected before school opens on September 8.
Further, all significant non-safety issues that have an adverse impact on the educational environment are being worked diligently with ongoing corrective actions being taken."
The district has hired the McGuire Group, of Providence, to study the condition of all 13 schools. The McGuire Group will make a list of all needed work, prioritize it, and make recommendations as to the cost of each project.
The school district has proposed spending $820,000 towards maintenance for the next fiscal year, an amount that Cirillo finds very low. Calling the amount a "Band-Aid," Cirillo said, "It will partially address some of the glaring infrastructure deficiencies in our schools - [It] will give our students and their parents more confidence in the safety of our schools."
By:mesothelioma.com
District officials for East Providence, Rhode Island schools say that despite the fact that an estimated $16 million worth of work is unfinished, students will return to for the 2009-2010 school year on time.
Harsh words have been used to describe the state of these schools, which some say have "glaring infrastructure deficiencies", and are "a death trap". The city's building inspector used the latter term to describe East Providence High School, the biggest high school in the state, which also doubles as a shelter in case of emergency.
Two elementary schools in the district, James R.D. Oldham and Agnes B. Hennessey, are also facing scrutiny because they have "massive roof leaks." Superintendent Mario Cirillo has told local families that he is "well aware of all facility issues that need to be addressed." East Providence is home to 13 schools.
The state of the district is so dire that emergency contracts have been issued to help clear up the most pressing issues. One contract was awarded to a local construction company for asbestos removal and exterior and interior door work at the high school. Asbestos removal is required by law, as asbestos exposure - even in small amounts - may cause the eventual development of mesothelioma cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases.
The jobs were completed just before school was back in session. In the words of district chief operating officer Lonnie Barham, "We're ready to rock." Barham went on to say, "First and foremost, it must be stated up front that every safety issue will be corrected before school opens on September 8.
Further, all significant non-safety issues that have an adverse impact on the educational environment are being worked diligently with ongoing corrective actions being taken."
The district has hired the McGuire Group, of Providence, to study the condition of all 13 schools. The McGuire Group will make a list of all needed work, prioritize it, and make recommendations as to the cost of each project.
The school district has proposed spending $820,000 towards maintenance for the next fiscal year, an amount that Cirillo finds very low. Calling the amount a "Band-Aid," Cirillo said, "It will partially address some of the glaring infrastructure deficiencies in our schools - [It] will give our students and their parents more confidence in the safety of our schools."
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