Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environmental Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Westbrook teachers, parents press District 57 for expanded mold testing and remediation before August
Summary
Teachers and parents urged District 57 to expand mold and air-quality testing at Westbrook, citing years of staff concerns and high humidity in the lower level; administrators said remediation work is nearly complete and specialists will present detailed testing plans at the next board meeting.
Teachers and family members urged the Mount Prospect District 57 Board of Education to expand mold and air-quality testing at Westbrook School and finish remediation before students return in August.
A 1st-grade teacher who spoke during the meeting’s community‑comment period said lower-level classrooms have been a long-standing concern and that the discovery of mold in sprinkler piping highlights earlier staff reports. "We hope that we can enter school in August knowing that we have a safe, safe, clear, clean, helpful environment," the teacher said. Parent John Brooks pressed the board to test not only the three visually inspected locations but also classrooms, ducts, HVAC components, carpets and storage areas.
Administrators said contractors completed removal of contaminated insulation and that new insulation and other remediation steps are almost finished. The district said it plans air‑quality testing and more targeted investigations with specialists and will offer optional staff meetings this summer for questions. District staff also discussed adding humidity sensors, reviewing chiller operation, and considering dehumidifiers or carpet cleaning where appropriate.
Board members and teachers discussed reporting and follow-up: teachers asked that test results and remediation plans be shared with staff and that ongoing monitoring be scheduled. The superintendent and operations staff committed to a specialist presentation at the board’s next meeting and to further dialogue with staff and the union about long-term mitigation and health supports.
What’s next: district specialists will report to the board at the next meeting with details on testing methods, remediation steps completed, and proposals for ongoing monitoring; teachers asked the board to ensure the work is finished before the August start date.
