THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505200126
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Vanee Vines
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
SEATS UP FOR GRABS
Three board members' seats are up for appointment next month: Charles H. Bowens II, Evelyn Hyman and Richard Crawford.
Appointees will serve only until June 30 of next year. To keep their seats after that, they must run for office next May, when the city is scheduled to have its first School Board election. To recommend yourself or someone else for a board seat, call 393-5425 for details. City Council will accept nominations at Tuesday's public hearing. Appointments will be made next month.
AIR-QUALITY STUDY: $37,494
City Council recently voted to pay Virginia Beach-based Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern Inc. about $29,000 to investigate air quality at Churchland High. Counting money City Hall previously earmarked, the total bill for the air-quality study will be $37,494.
On April 25, the city told the company to conduct a preliminary investigation at the school, Assistant City Engineer Rock Bell said. The price tag: $8,219.
That job called for a walk-through inspection; the distribution of comment sheets among students and staffers; a review of construction plans; checks to see whether unwanted water could enter the school from the roof or the building's foundation; and a public meeting to explain everything, Bell said.
The idea was to give the company a head start on any larger study before school ended, he said. Taxpayers may be asked to spend more this fall, when the company releases its final report and accompanying recommendations.
Staffers began to complain about Churchland's air quality last year. Some teachers and students say the school suffers from ``sick building'' syndrome. That condition can occur when a combination of faulty heating and inadequate air circulation leads to a buildup of moisture, mold and mildew.
The mold and mildew have been blamed for some people's aggravated allergies and respiratory difficulties. Too little fresh air in a building also can raise carbon dioxide levels, causing headaches, fatigue or dizziness.
MEETING DATES CHANGED
The School Board has canceled its June public work session. Next month's regular meeting has been moved to June 29.
KEYWORDS: PORTSMOUTH SCHOOL BOARD by CNB