Glynn to get update on cleanup of schoolyard

The school board will meet in a workshop at 6 p.m. at district headquarters, 1313 Egmont St.

Al Boudreau, school district facilities director, will detail progress of the cleanup that began July 5 and provide information about final cost for the work.

Boudreau said Monday the cleanup is almost done.

"There were no surprises," Boudreau said. "It's worked out the way we expected and because the weather has cooperated -- no rain -- we're right on track to get everything done in time for school to start."

Soil testing last month revealed that the schoolyard dirt contained a chemical residue known as benzo(a)pyrene, which environmental authorities have said is a potential cancer-causing pollutant.

The residue is formed as the result of incomplete burning of coal, oil, gasoline, charcoal or even meat. Lifetime exposure to high concentrations of the substance can cause cancer and other health problems, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

There is no evidence that any students or staff have gotten sick from exposure to the dirt, school and environmental officials have said.

The school has about 450 students, plus 80 teachers and staff. The board authorized spending up to $175,000 for the cleanup, which should be completed by Wednesday, Aug. 10, when classes resume.

In other business, the school board is scheduled to discuss a joint city/county resolution regarding the creation of a career technical center to provide more opportunities for vocational students.

The board also has scheduled an executive session to discuss land, legal and personnel matters. Any vote regarding those matters must be done in public, according to state law.