NEW TEST FOR LINDA VERDE? DISTRICT MULLS SECOND LOOK AT HEALTH HAZARDS.

Byline: Karen Maeshiro Staff Writer

LANCASTER - Lancaster School District officials are considering taking a second look at possible health hazards at Linda Verde School, where staff members have complained of a variety of illnesses.

District trustees are considering hiring for a second time a firm that earlier this year tested the school's indoor air quality, but found nothing that could be linked to cancer, respiratory ailments or other health problems that staffers have reported, district officials said.

In a second round of testing, Forensic Analytical would test water that comes out discolored from school faucets as well as look for mold.

``We are doing a little extra testing at Linda Verde. We want to make sure the staff is fully satisfied with all the testing we've done,'' Superintendent Steve Gocke said.

The board will meet today to consider paying up to $17,200 to the company to investigate mold, sample tap water, and do other studies.

``We've had some rain that causes mold to happen so we had to do some extra testing. We wanted to sample water just because we want to make sure we cover everything,'' Gocke said.

Staffers complain that water coming out of taps is brown.

While Forensic Analytical did not find any dangerous environmental contaminants in its first study, the company did recommend gutting and rebuilding the library, which was closed in the spring after the winter rains, as well as improving air circulation in some rooms.

``The library we had to shut down because the air quality tested too heavy for occupancy. That means that there's a potential for mold,'' Gocke said.

The firm also proposes to investigate areas of water damage, including stained ceiling tiles, affected wall areas, such as in the cafeteria and associated rooms, and carpet areas, such as those below drinking-water dispensers.

Karen Maeshiro, [phone]

karen.maeshiro(at)dailynews.com