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Stonington Board to review air-quality report after staff cite lingering odors at West Vine Street School
Summary
Staff and public speakers told the Stonington Board of Education that odors at West Vine Street School have been reported since 2019 and raised health and safety concerns; the superintendent said Mystic Air Quality screened the building, a DEEP call is scheduled and the district may purchase testing services.
At its Jan. 15 meeting, the Stonington Board of Education heard multiple staff and community reports that odors in West Vine Street School (WVSS) have recurred for years and prompted concern about long-term exposure.
Emily McClenahan, speaking on behalf of WVSS staff, said complaints of odors “have been made since 2019,” and that staff are “concerned about long-term exposure and health effects.” Public commenter Bruce Yarnall read a staff communication urging the district to “keep vigilant and aware to keep students and staff safe.”
Superintendent Mary Anne Butler told the Board that Mystic Air Quality has screened the building and that the district will share the screening report with staff and the community. Mrs. Butler said a call with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is scheduled to exchange information about the issue. In addition, Mr. Carroll told the Board that Eversource conducted on-site testing; Fire Chief Byron Stillman was also on site and provided updates.
Mrs. Butler said the district is prepared to use Policy P3100 to grant a bid waiver for the purchase of air-quality services if necessary; the transcript records a potential purchase amount of $31,700 for consultant work with Fuss & O’Neill. The superintendent also reported that the contract for portable classrooms is finalized and drawings will be forwarded to the town after signatures.
Board members asked about radon testing and the location of alleged gas leaks; district staff responded that Eversource completed testing on site and that the district will share findings when available. The Board did not take a formal vote on remediation steps during the meeting but directed that information be shared promptly with families and staff and that the air-quality report be circulated once received.
Next steps the Board identified at the meeting include releasing the Mystic Air Quality screening report to staff and the community, completing the scheduled call with DEEP, and pursuing consultant testing or remediation as warranted by those results. No formal remediation contract was approved at the Jan. 15 meeting.
