Oct. 22, 2009

NIOSH informs GCS that they do not anticipate identifying in their final report any new areas of remediation work that will be required at Oak Ridge Elementary other than the work already underway with Turner Group.
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July 31, 2009

E-mail Regarding Cleaning Nonporous Items and Papers
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July 28, 2009

E-mail Regarding Guidelines for HEPA Vacuuming Books
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July 23, 2009

NIOSH has recommended not reopening Oak Ridge Elementary until work on the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system and other initial recommendations have been completed. GCS preliminary reports July 22 from NIOSH and Turner Building Science & Design, LLC, which investigated the school last week at the district’s request. District officials also discussed the initial recommendations with the NIOSH team July 22 during a conference call.

As a result, GCS administration proposes temporarily relocating the school at other facilities, using the “Plan B” developed in partnership with Oak Ridge parents and staff members. For more information about the preliminary findings of NIOSH and Turner, and to learn about the proposed Plan B option, click on the links below.

Requested Summary of Findings from NIOSH
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Turner Group Preliminary Indoor Air Quality Issues
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Proposed Plan B Option Powerpoint Presentation
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GCSTV 2 Newsbreak
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July 16, 2009

Today was the last day at Oak Ridge Elementary School for NIOSH and Turner Group.

The representatives held a media briefing and closing meeting today to share with the community what type of work has been done this past week and to give initial thoughts on the facility. Final reports and recommendations will not be available for several weeks. However, the groups will continue to communicate to GCS via phone and e-mail and prepare interim letters as results become available. Turner Group is still collecting some tests this afternoon.

The Oak Ridge Plan B parent committee is working together to make a recommendation regarding the first day of school. The district should have a recommendation within the next week.  

We will continue to keep you updated throughout this process.

July 15, 2009

Today was day 2 for NIOSH and Turner Group at Oak Ridge Elementary School.

This morning, two NIOSH representatives met with officials from the Guilford County Department of Public Health. The other two NIOSH representatives, along with Turner Group, spent the morning collecting building samples for review. This afternoon, all four NIOSH representatives and Turner Group continued to collect samples. A representative from the Oak Ridge Parent Facilities Committee has been present throughout the day. Work will continue into this evening.

Tomorrow’s events will proceed as outlined in the schedule of events, with a media briefing taking place at 11 a.m. and a closing meeting at 2 p.m.

July 14, 2009

Today was the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)’s first day at Oak Ridge Elementary School.

This morning, an opening meeting was held between NIOSH, Turner Building Science and Design, district/county representatives and Oak Ridge employees and parents. After the meeting, the Oak Ridge Parent Facilities Committee met with NIOSH and Turner to share their concerns and observations of the school. NIOSH and Turner spent the rest of the morning touring the building with district staff and a member of the Facilities Committee.

This afternoon, NIOSH has continued to tour the building and will begin collecting samples for review.