GIRARD SCHOOLS Board starts program to monitor air quality

Girard's superintendent says the idea is to get school employees involved in air quality.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- The board of education has initiated a program to catch problems that might harm air quality in the district's school buildings.
The board took the action Tuesday as the intermediate school remained closed because some pupils and staff there complained of health problems.
Superintendent Joseph Shoaf said the program, called the Tools for Schools Program, was designed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
"It's a proactive approach," Shoaf said.
He explained that James Dobson, assistant city health commissioner, and John Gayetski of the Ohio EPA will initially take teachers, administrators, food service workers and maintenance staff through the buildings.
Dobson and Gayetski will explain how to use checklists in looking for conditions that might affect air-quality standards.
Aimed at schools: Shoaf said the program is specifically aimed at schools because the district has educators that aren't trained in air quality.
"It's designed for lay people to get relevant results," Shoaf said.
Shoaf will serve as program coordinator. Building principals will eventually become coordinators for their buildings.
The intermediate and Prospect Elementary schools were closed by the board in May because of complaints of illnesses. Prospect reopened three days later.
Since then, lawsuits against the board have been filed in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.
They include one that called for the removal of the entire board. It was dismissed because the proper procedure was not followed.
Parents say a similar lawsuit will be filed today.
yovich@vindy.com