Monessen not ready to release results of school air quality test

Superintendent Dr. Robert Motte said they will be reviewed before being shared with the public.

Monessen City School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Motte released a statement Thursday regarding the recent air quality testing conducted at the middle/high school.

“Abnormalities” in the walls of the school were discovered through routine maintenance, which prompted the testing. The first day of school is Aug. 25, and there was no clarification of what the abnormality involves.

On Monday, Motte called the abnormality a “localized environmental concern” and said they could not provide more information testing was complete.

School board President Mark Panicucci said it’s more than likely due to a piping issue in the building.

The district received the results of the test, but Motte declined to disclose the nature of the abnormality was, stating that it’s “premature” to release the results before the report is thoroughly reviewed by the school board, administration, legal counsel and the district’s insurance representatives.

“We appreciate the community’s patience as we work through the process of reviewing the report and determining appropriate next steps,” Motte said. “Given the nature of the issues addressed in the report, it is important that all relevant parties have an opportunity to evaluate the findings, understand any recommendations and assess potential operational, legal and risk management considerations.”

Motte said at Tuesday’s board meeting that the insurance company is coming to the school to look everything over. The district is hoping to get insurance funds to cover any damages.

He added that state funding is available for school districts of Monessen’s size that have similar issues.

Administrators contacted a professional environmental restoration and assessment company July 29 to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the building, which they did Aug. 3. The air quality testing was conducted from Saturday through Tuesday, and the school was closed during that time.

The district’s director of facilities, Edward Szmed, observed an abnormality in a wall near the gymnasium concession stand on July 28, according to the release.

Motte said taking time for the appropriate parties to review the results helps ensure that any information shared with the public is accurate, complete and presented in the proper context.

“The district will provide a summary of the report findings as soon as possible following the completion of the review process,” Motte said in the release. “Our priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our students, staff and visitors.”