Kentucky parents worried that their children’s school is unsafe
Parents of students at Phelps Elementary in Pike County, Kentucky are concerned about the safety of their children at school, as the facility has been listed as one of the 14 schools in the worst condition in the state. They met with schools officials to discuss their concerns. After being reassured that the school would be safe when students returned to classes on August 12, the parents were invited to walk through the school building.
Representative W. Keith Hall also attended the meeting. He stated that, of the 14 worst schools in the state, Phelps Elementary is the worst of the bunch. He has made two attempts to have funds appropriated for a new $11.2 million school. Each attempt was passed by the Kentucky House of Representatives but did not pass the state Senate vote. He said that he will keep proposing the new school until it is approved, and he has been told by the Kentucky Speaker of the House that the state’s next new school building will be for Phelps.
The school principal said that the current school is safe, as it has passed structural tests and mold tests. Teachers have been cleaning and painting their classrooms as needed.
Parents have complained about the school’s previously flooded basement, handicap accessibility, cracks in the interior walls, and the presence of the toxic substance asbestos. The school superintendent stated that asbestos in the building is a matter of public record. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials prior to the 1980s. Asbestos exposure can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and other serious illnesses.
For the full story, go to The Williamson Daily News.
