GIRARD Renovation to finish by March, chief says

Girard Intermediate will not reopen until it's ready, the superintendent says.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Girard Intermediate School, closed earlier this year because of health issues, is tentatively scheduled to reopen in February or March.
"I'm not in a hurry," Superintendent Joseph Shoaf cautioned Monday about when pupils will return.
The new school that opened in 2000 was closed May 1 after sickness among pupils and staff was attributed to fungus and algae inside the building.
Those in the school complained of symptoms that included rashes, itchy eyes, vomiting and headaches.
Parents have said their children's symptoms subsided after being away from the school.
Meanwhile, Shoaf has named a newly created renovation panel to serve as an advisory committee to assure the building's successful reopening.
The school's 400 pupils have been attending classes in the junior high school and Tod Woods Intermediate School, which was closed when the new building opened.
Work: Shoaf explained the carpeting in the school has been replaced with floor tile. Other remedial work continuing includes replacement of the ventilation ducts with those that have insulation on the outside rather than the inside.
The ventilation system is being changed to increase the amount of outside air being channeled into the building. The sprinkler system also is being completed.
Shoaf said construction work is on schedule.
He reported the school district has completed most of the 10 items required by the city health commissioner. The school won't open, he stressed, until the work is all completed and fully tested. "I've got one shot here," Shoaf said.
Tours: The superintendent explained parents and pupils will be able to tour the school before reopening.
Shoaf said he expects the renovation panel to ask questions about the remedial work that, except for cleaning, is scheduled for completion Dec. 31.
"These are the people I consider to have the community's ear," Shoaf said. "I am counting on them to help find the things that concern the community, to ask questions to remedy those concerns, and to make sure the concern has been laid to rest before we open the school."
yovich@vindy.com