An important line item in the proposed budget for the Sevier County Schools isn’t a big expenditure, but it is an important one. The budget calls for $57,000 to be spent on environmental testing of the county schools. The tests are to determine if there is a potential mold or spore problem in the school buildings.
“We want to be proactive, “ said Dr. Jack Parton, School Superintendent. Several schools have had their older carpet pulled and replaced with tile. Several more are on the list to have similar work this summer.
“Carpet was the recommendation when we built several of these schools, now its recommended to use tile, so we’re making the change to prevent future problems,” said Parton. Some staff and parents believe the recently removed carpet at Seymour Primary was a source of allergy problems.
Parton believes that the schools are okay, but wants to make sure the buildings do not have any growing problems. Neighboring systems have been forced to spend large amounts to replace parts of their buildings and to decontaminate the remaining structure. “We really want err on the side of caution,” said Parton about the testing.
Mold and spore problems in school buildings have been compared to the previous projects of asbestos and lead paint removal. Parton indicated the only problem spot they have found so far has been the carpet, which the system is methodically removing from all affected schools.
Parton said, “We want to make sure the air is good and get it all done at once, so we don’t have any surprises down the road.”
The testing of the county schools is scheduled for next school year as long as it remains in the budget. Parton and the School Board are still trying to determine exactly what cuts will have to be made to make up the projected five million dollar deficit in the school budget. While preparing to make cuts to balance their budget, the shortfall of state money has further complicated the budget process for Parton.

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