City officials race to ensure school safety before opening

In a recent government meeting, officials addressed urgent concerns regarding mold and safety issues at Patek Memorial School, emphasizing the need for immediate action ahead of the upcoming school year. Council members expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state of the facility, highlighting the presence of mold and deteriorating conditions, including paint chips falling from walls.

City Manager provided an update on the proactive measures taken, noting that nearly one million dollars has been allocated for improvements, including the removal and replacement of outdated equipment and the installation of new air handling systems. The city is currently awaiting results from third-party testing to confirm the safety of the school environment.

Despite ongoing renovations, council members voiced apprehension about whether the school would be ready for students on the first day. They stressed the importance of receiving timely updates on the testing results to ensure the safety of students and staff. The City Manager assured the council that he would provide updates as soon as the testing information becomes available, reinforcing the commitment to addressing the issues at hand.

The meeting underscored the urgency of ensuring a safe learning environment, with officials committed to resolving the situation before the school year begins.