After receiving Turner's report, do we know for sure why there were issues at the school and can we guarantee that there won't be issues in the future?

As set forth in Turner's final report and appendices, and as indicated in the recommendations for remediation work from NIOSH and Turner, there were a number of areas that were identified as having the potential to contribute to indoor air quality concerns at Oak Ridge. The improvement work and testing have been completed and the building has been cleared for occupancy; additional steps are being put in place to monitor and maintain the improved performance of the building moving forward.

According to Turner, the completed work should decrease unplanned airflows, increase the building ventilation rates and improve humidity control. In addition, the work included a complete air and water balancing and commissioning of the mechanical system. Some building materials were also removed and replaced.

Why was Turner selected to complete work at Oak Ridge Elementary?

Turner Building Science and Design was recommended by NIOSH as a firm that specializes in indoor air quality and other environmental issues. A committee comprised of parents, staff members and district administrators recommended hiring Turner after vetting their credentials along with other firms under consideration. When additional expertise was needed, contractors and consultants with expertise in various areas were hired to complete the work with oversight from Turner.

What is Turner's background?

Turner Building Science and Design was recommended by NIOSH as a firm that specializes in indoor air quality and other environmental issues. A committee comprised of parents, staff members and district administrators recommended hiring Turner after vetting their credentials along with other firms under consideration. When additional expertise was needed, contractors and consultants with expertise in various areas were hired to complete the work with oversight from Turner.

How did the district proceed with work done at the school?
The preliminary report provided a basis for additional evaluation and the development of specific protocols designed to address the issues that were raised in the report. Turner developed protocols for work being done at the Oak Ridge facility.

The GCS Facilities department remained in constant contact with Turner to review and develop protocols and discuss ongoing work.

When will students be back in Oak Ridge Elementary School?
Students will return to Oak Ridge Elementary in February 22, 2010.

What about books and other materials from the Oak Ridge Elementary building? Have they been cleaned and will they be cleaned again before returning to the Oak Ridge Elementary building?

All books and items were cleaned once in accordance with the protocols developed by Turner before they were taken from the school.

All furniture and books currently stored at Allen Jay Middle will be moved back into the building before the end of January. S&ME industrial hygienists will be on site to assist the moving company should an indoor air quality matter arise. Each item will be inspected before being returned to Oak Ridge. Any necessary cleaning will be done per the protocols developed by Turner.

When does GCS expect to have a final report from the National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH)?
Staff is continuing to remain in constant contact with NIOSH. GCS has not been given a date for when the district may receive their final report, but did learn that NIOSH does not anticipate identifying in their final report any new areas of remediation work that will be required at Oak Ridge Elementary. Throughout the fall, GCS worked with Turner and other outside firms to complete the remediation efforts on the items previously identified by NIOSH.

When proceeding with Plan B, who picked where Oak Ridge students would attend school?
The Plan B committee, which is comprised of district and Oak Ridge staff and parents, decided on the four facilities for Oak Ridge students. For a list of committee members, click here. GCS called on members of the Oak Ridge leadership team and the Oak Ridge PTA Executive Board to find volunteers for the committee when it was formed over the summer.

Why have Lyon Construction trucks been out at Oak Ridge Elementary?
GCS has pending litigation against Lyon Construction, the company that built Oak Ridge Elementary. Because of this, Lyon Construction has and will continue to be at Oak Ridge, as the district must give them an opportunity to review areas where GCS proposes to do work. Lyon Construction was not performing the work in question. GCS staff were/are always on site with Lyon Construction.               

What about the teachers who have put in many extra hours to monitor the bus hub at Northwest Middle in the mornings and afternoons?
GCS knows teachers put in many extra hours to monitor the bus hub at Northwest Middle in the mornings and afternoons. The district paid GCS employees to assist teachers with this effort.

What about End-of-Grade tests? Given the situation, is the district concerned that these students will not be able to excel academically this school year?
GCS is committed to ensuring students at every Oak Ridge site learn and flourish just as they would at Oak Ridge. It is a priority for the district to make sure that these students do not miss out on anything due to the situation. 

I've heard rumors about the Oak Ridge facility. How do I know if these are true?
GCS created a corrections and clarifications page to clear up any misunderstandings. To make sure you are getting the most up-to-date information, sign up for Oak Ridge e-mail updates.

I still have a question that has not been answered here. Who can I contact?
Questions or concerns may be sent to oakridgefeedback@gcsnc.com.