Health Department finds no significant issues at Vets Jr. High

After a walkthrough of the school on Monday, the State Department of Health “did not observe any evidence of a significant public health issue in the building” at Warwick Vets, according to a statement from Joseph Wendelken, the Department’s Public Information Officer. The statement released Monday went on to say no further action would be recommended, but that “the department will support the district’s independent decision to conduct air quality testing by coordinating with the company they hire and working with the school on next steps, if any are deemed necessary.”

Claims of mold, drastic temperature variations, and student sickness as a result of these and other reported issues at the school, specifically the 900 wing, sparked the walkthrough and a statement from Superintendent Philip Thornton saying air quality testing at Warwick Vets will be conducted. His secretary Cathy Bonang said the School Committee already has three or four bids from companies to conduct air quality testing and the School Committee would vote on the matter at their next meeting on February 7.

“We have a professional air quality expert on our team who is following all federal and state guidelines. We meet all federal and state air quality measures,” Thornton’s statement said. “Still, we will be conducting air quality testing in the coming weeks and make those results public as soon as they are available.”

Thornton also said the 62-year-old heating system is in “dire need of repair” and that the plan is to replace it as soon as possible.

“We in Warwick are committed to providing the best environment for all of our students and staff,” he said.

School Committee Member Karen Bachus, Councilwoman Donna Travis and Bachus’ campaign manager Judy Cobden toured the school with Vets Principal David Tober on Thursday. The Beacon was not permitted to accompany them (Thornton said on Monday that all media requests need to go through the superintendent’s office), but Cobden and Bachus later told the paper that they had headaches and felt physically unwell after spending two hours inside the school.

“In the 900 wing, we were really, really not feeling good. You could taste the air. There’s something going on,” Bachus said.

Cobden added that she went to CVS after she left the school to pick up sinus tablets.

Parents have been vocally reporting issues as well. Justin Puckett said he didn’t have any major concerns until his daughter announced one night at dinner that she’d be bringing a blanket to school with her the next day as the teachers were opening windows to help refresh the air.

“It didn’t make sense to me that that would be the district recommendation,” Puckett said.

After some phone calls and requests, Puckett obtained a copy of a report from Environmental/Safety Coordinator Phillip Ricchiuti. The report said that Ricchiuti “did not observe mold” but in certain areas said “when possible, open windows to bring in fresh air” and, in other areas, “to improve ventilation, windows should be open during occupancy.”

Puckett said his daughter has complained of strange smells and headaches, but he’s not sure if those are directly from her being in the building. However, he is concerned that it will affect the long-term health of his daughter and her fellow students if they are breathing in anything dangerous.

Others do believe their children have had ailments that related to being inside the Vets building. Jackie Santos Mitchell said her son has had a cough and stuffy nose since he started at the school but that during school vacation he was fine.

“I know my son’s sicknesses have to be from that school. I have three other children who did not catch anything from him and every time anyone has something contagious it goes around my whole house. It had to have been from him going to that school and having some kind of reaction in the school,” she said.

In addition, Mitchell said her nephew was one of the kids who recently had to be taken to the ER because he was coughing up blood. She said the boy felt like he could breathe better once he got outside of the school and later was diagnosed with strep throat.

Parent Kelly Powers said her daughter has experienced difficulties as well. She said her daughter complains of stomachaches, dizziness, headaches, congestion, coughing, burning eyes, sore throats and breathing issues, and that her symptoms also were alleviated during winter vacation.

“Visually, you see water damaged ceilings and smell musty aroma throughout the school,” she said. “My daughter is in honors classes and is making high honors. However, she struggles to get through each day.”

Powers said her daughter has been out sick 15 times this year, uses inhalers, has been on three different antibiotics and has had to take several trips to the doctor.

Parent Shannon Napolitano, who said her daughter has also been sick, was frustrated by many issues but also by what she said was a lack of communication about the window issue.

“Where was the robocall letting parents know this was happening? Giving us the option to understand or question if needed? Therefore, maybe telling the kids that are chilly to dress warm, layers, etcetera or whatever was needed?” she said.

Bachus and Cobden said that conditions in the school make a case for the passage of the $85 million bond that needs City Council and other approval before going to a vote in November.