Benson Orders Closing of Two Bloomer Classrooms
State Superintendent John T. Benson Friday (September 8, 2000) ordered
the Bloomer School Board to correct code violations in district facilities,
to close immediately two classrooms in the middle school because of peeling
paint that contains lead, and to close the building and educate middle
school students elsewhere by January 16, the beginning of the second semester.
"The conditions in the middle school are unacceptable for the
students and teachers who must study and work in that building,"
Benson said. "This order balances the condition of the facility
with the need to maintain some continuity in the school's educational
program. The district has time to plan how it will protect the safety
of and provide an education for its middle-schoolers."
Benson and the Department of Commerce inspected buildings in Bloomer
on August 17.
The middle school inspection found peeling paint and plaster throughout
the building, extensive problems with ventilation as well as problems
with wiring; fire safety, including the location of fire extinguishers
and problems with fire doors; and unprotected steam pipes that could
result in injury.
"I am deeply concerned that the Bloomer School Board rescinded
the decision to close the middle school on August 21 to instead have
electors vote on remodeling the school without having a full picture
of the code violations that need to be corrected," Benson said.
"The $3.5 million figure contained in the referendum is based on
an outdated estimate for repairs and will not fully address the health
and safety of Bloomer Middle School students and teachers."
Benson's order requires the board to conduct a thorough and complete
inspection of the middle school and to submit a report addressing the
present condition of the building and plans or recommendations for corrective
action, including a cost estimate.
The district also must submit its plan for educating middle school
students at sites other than the middle school after January 16.