Staff Writer

Another round of air quality tests is expected to begin at Biddeford High School this week, though some parents feel administrators are not doing enough to address their concerns.

The new tests come a week after a joint school committee and city council workshop on air quality issues at the high school, which currently is undergoing an extensive renovation project. Air quality issues came to light after student Marina Gagne had severe allergic reactions at the school that required trips to the hospital.

Other students have complained about symptoms they feel are connected to the school’s air quality and teachers also have reported symptoms.

Tests in early December revealed poor air quality in three classrooms. Repeated tests since then have shown no mold or silica dust from construction in the building and administrators have stepped up efforts to clean dust from classrooms. Administrators also have worked with Ledgewood Construction to contain dust from building areas undergoing renovations.

The school committee last month asked Superintendent of Schools Sarah-Jane Poli to replace Air Quality Management with a new company after parents voiced concerns about previous tests.

Poli said the district has hired the H.L. Turner Group Inc. of Harrison to perform air quality tests, scheduled to begin today. She said the company will use a forensic approach to look at the entire building and find what, if anything, is causing air quality issues. She said the examination will include discussions with students and staff about symptoms that could be connected to air quality.

That approach is in line with recommendations from John Boilard, an industrial hygienist with Northeast Test Consultants. Boilard was hired by a group of parents and high school students to review previous test results and make a presentation at the workshop.

Boilard, who reviewed Air Quality Management’s results but did not examine the building, suggested special attention be paid to areas where moisture gathers, including in walls around bathrooms and corners of the building. He also suggested the school examine lockers, talk to students and staff about symptoms connected to air quality and use safe cleaning products. 

Phil Radding, facilities manager for the city, said custodians use green, fragrance- and dye-free cleaning products in all school buildings. A mild germicide also is used to help stop the spread of cold and flu germs.

Boilard said he was concerned by fine particulate matter that showed up in tests of classrooms and hallways. He also said he suspects volatile organic compounds – found in everything from paint to deodorant – could be the cause of symptoms reported by students and teachers. Those symptoms include headaches, nausea, sinus irritation and persistent cough.

“I’d be very surprised if it’s not a volatile organic compound,” Boilard said.

Gagne said she doesn’t feel school officials are trying to find a solution.

“You make it sound like it’s so much, but isn’t my life worth that?” she asked. “Everyone’s life is important and you should be doing whatever it takes.”

Laurie Hale, Gagne’s mother, said her daughter now takes several classes in a portable classroom, but is missing out on both academic and social opportunities. She said administrators need to do more to find out what is making people sick.

Hale said she wants administrators to do a complete school assessment, not just test the air. She feels the school department needs to be more transparent about what is going on with air quality. She also said administrators need to do more to provide tutors and accommodations for her daughter while she is unable to attend classes in the school.

Sophomore Josh Hauck said he gets headaches and nosebleeds during school and students are bothered by the noise of saws during class. Resident Ted Bernier said school officials should move students out of classrooms that have recorded poor air quality results.

“I think it’s been proven these classrooms have a problem,” Bernier said. “The parents and students that are affected by this, what are they to do?”

Mayor Joanne Twomey, who also is chairman of the school committee, said past administrations “looked the other way” when work needed to be done at the high school. She said school officials are focused on finding answers, providing education to students and moving forward.   

School Committee Member Tony Michaud said the committee should be looking at the issue seriously.

 “I hope we do what’s right for our students and the citizens of Biddeford,” he said.

Poli said the school department has posted all air quality results from the high school at www.biddschools.org. She said she admits in the past test results weren’t available as quickly as they should be, but feels the issue has been remedied.

Poli said school guidance counselors will continue to work with any student who cannot attend classes to develop a learning plan.

 “I think we’ve done everything we need to do,” she said.

reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.