Health agencies inspecting schools topic of hearing

Local health agencies would be required to inspect schools for environmental safety under a controversial proposal before the state Board of Health, which meets today at the Yakima Convention Center.

In the works for at least four years, the proposal would update existing environmental health and safety rules for kindergarten through 12th grade.

Among other things, the rule would require health districts to test the quality of indoor air and drinking water; evaluate procedures for controlling mold and moisture, and inspect mechanical and architectural systems.

Given the state’s budget constraints, some members of the Legislature have asked the board to postpone a final decision on the rule until after the 2009 session. The board will consider that request at the hearing.

“This is the most thorough and the most contentious rulemaking we’ve ever done,” said Craig McLaughlin, executive director of the board, which develops health policies and is independent from the state Department of Health.

The biggest question is, who will pay for inspections?

“It will become a mandate for us and if it continues in its present form, it’s going to be a tremendous problem,” said Dennis Klukan, public health administrator for the Yakima Health District.

Klukan said his agency doesn’t have the staff or the engineering expertise to inspect heating and air-conditioning units or conduct architectural reviews of buildings.

“It’s not that I don’t think communities should not be interested in safe schools, but this is going a bit overboard,” Klukan said.

Health districts would be able to bill schools for the costs. “But I don’t know that schools are in a position to pay,” he added.

Cost estimates vary depending on whether the health district had ever performed the inspections before, McLaughlin said.

For instance, it could cost $8,000 a year for an elementary school to monitor and fix mold and moisture problems, test for lead and copper in water fixtures and inspect playground facilities.

School officials from around the state have told the board they already employ trained personnel to inspect buildings and mechanical systems to ensure student safety.

Dave Curry, assistant superintendent for ESD 105 in Yakima, said schools need more information on the cost of complying with the rule.

“For school districts, it’s difficult at best to be critical of these measures that benefit kids but I see some complications in how much money and time it’s going to take,” Curry said.

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