Mold Found Inside Middle School
By Justin Cripe, Goshen News, Ind.
Jun. 24–LIGONIER, Ind. — West Noble school board members said good-bye to a fellow board member and hello to a problem with the building project during Monday’s meeting.
Superintendent Dave Speakman reported that traces of mold have been found inside the middle school, primarily located inside the exterior wall of the original building facade facing the pond. Speakman explained that when construction was being done on the new part of the building, no gaps were located between the concrete, insulation, dry wall and fabric covering, causing moisture to collect and seams to open up.
“There was nowhere for the wall to breathe,” Speakman said.
An inspector was brought in to look at the building, and reportedly found two of the rooms had excess mold inside the vinyl wall covering. Once the mold is removed, a “dead air space” will be incorporated before the wall is rebuilt.
Speakman said that the project is still expected to be completed by the start of the school year, but construction crews are going to have to work extra hard to get done in time. A claim is being filed with the corporation’s insurance company to see if they will pay for repairs.
Board member’s final meeting
Amy Groff, secretary, went to her final meeting as a board member, where she was given the honor of running the meeting. She has been on the board for the past eight years.
“It’s been a good experience,” Groff said. “I have learned so much.”
Speakman said that Groff’s loss will unquestionably be felt.
“She is an extremely intelligent, very caring person,” Speakman said. “We will miss her greatly.”
Groff is replaced on the board by Christine Mershman, Topeka.
Other news
In other news, the board approved the hiring of current assistant superintendent Dr. Dennis VanDuyne to the position of superintendent effective July 1, 2009. He will be taking over the position left by Speakman, who will retire at the end of the next school year.
VanDuyne, who just finished his second full year at West Noble, said that this is likely to be his “last stop” in the teaching field after stints in two other school corporations.
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