LISBON School principal probes health complaints

The state inspected the school last week.
LISBON -- State inspectors are expected to return to McKinley Elementary School next week to further scrutinize the building in response to complaints from some parents that something in the structure is making their children ill.
"If there are issues in the building, let's find out what they are and correct them," Principal Dave Philibin said Friday.
Philibin said mothers of two children contacted him last school year to express concerns about their children's health. Two other mothers have called this school year with similar concerns, Philibin said.
He acknowledged that he's aware there are other parents in the community who are expressing health concerns about their children but who have yet to approach the school district about them.
Some parents of McKinley pupils have said their children are suffering from one or more symptoms that include headaches, asthma, skin rashes and throat irritation.
"We're trying to pursue it," Philibin said.
Inspection
Last week, the school district asked an inspector from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Division of Health and Safety, to examine the school. The inspector is to return early next week with another inspector to investigate further, Philibin said.
During the initial inspection, the state official asked for lists of chemical products kept at the school.
One spot officials have examined is the cafeteria. In the past year, carpet and a sound-absorbing substance have been installed there.
School officials contacted the installer and manufacturers associated with the remodeling and were told nothing that would indicate the project is causing health problems, Philibin said.
About 600 pupils in kindergarten through sixth grade attend the nearly 60,000-square-foot school, which was built in 1951 and was enlarged in 1962, 1992 and 1997. About 55 people work at McKinley, near Pritchard Avenue and Chestnut Street.