GIRARD Board relaxes bid rules to spur work at school

To speed up carpeting and ventilation changes, the school board will advertise for bids for only one week.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- The board of education relaxed bidding procedures in an attempt to get the closed intermediate school reopened in the fall.
The intermediate school closed May 1 for the balance of the year because pupils and staff were becoming ill with itchy and burning eyes, rashes, vomiting and headaches.
Students were transferred to the junior high and the former Tod Woods Intermediate School building to complete the year.
Cause unknown: School officials are waiting the results of all tests to determine what caused the illnesses and how to correct the situation.
The school board already decided to replace the carpeting and ventilation ducts.
To speed up any work to be done, the board approved a resolution Thursday declaring an urgent necessity exists at the school.
Thus, rather than advertising for bids for the work for four weeks, the district only needs to advertise for one week.
School districts must put up for bid any work that exceeds $25,000.
"We are working at the intermediate school to get it ready for next year," board member Jane Harris told students attending the meeting during Civic Day.
She asserted neither the board nor district administrators are responsible for the problem.
Early release: In another matter, the board designated June 4 rather than June 7 as the last day of school for seniors. The day was changed because of their good performance on proficiency tests, the board said.
yovich@vindy.com