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District moves to squash asbestos rumor at Fort Lauderdale High
By Jamie Malernee
Education Writer
Posted October 8 2004
School district officials are trying to calm fears and squelch rumors that students and teachers at Fort Lauderdale High have been exposed to asbestos.
Concerns began when construction started in the media center this school year while classes were ongoing on the building's second floor.
"We've had constant noise and shaking all day long. They were running Bobcats through the walls while we were upstairs. The dust is constantly blowing into the pick-up area," said senior Nicholas Zantop.
Anxiety levels rose when signs warning of asbestos were posted. Some teachers asked to be transferred, Zantop said, adding that when an assistant principal told him that he didn't know anything about plans to properly dispose of asbestos, he wrote a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency. He then e-mailed the letter to local news media.
After that, at least one school board member started asking questions. Michael Garretson, head of facilities for Broward schools, said he was flooded with e-mails.
Robert Krickovich, a project manager with the school district, now says a special firm hired specifically for asbestos removal removed the poisonous floor tiles and air conditioning duct insulation according to proper procedures.
"There is no chance asbestos could have gotten out," he said. "They go in, block off the area, ... and work in the plastic sheeting like a tent with negative pressure, so none of the fibers get out."
After the work was done, workers tested the air. It was safe, Krickovich said.
Zantop said he is happy officials are finally taking student and teacher complaints seriously. He said a teacher meeting was called at the school Wednesday. The principal, Gina Eyerman, did not return calls for comment.
Still, Zantop doesn't buy the district's story. In the past, the district's credibility has suffered after officials told people in mold-filled schools -- many of them suffering from breathing problems and headaches -- that there was no problem, only to admit later there was. Since then parents have filed lawsuits, and the district has spent millions to improve air quality control measures and try and rebuild the community's trust.
Jamie Malernee can be reached at jmalernee@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4849.
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