POLK CITY -- Students and staff at Sabal Palm alternative school for youthful offenders can breathe easier.

In February, chronic mold, faulty air-conditioning and other environmental and safety hazards forced school officials to scale back programs at the Polk Youth Development Center in Polk City.

Tuesday, the classrooms reopened. Polk County school officials say they're safe.

"I think we've got a happy ending," said Dennis Higgins, director of alternative education for the Polk School District.

Higgins said the facility passed air-quality tests conducted by an independent contractor. Classrooms received new paint and carpeting.

Higgins closed the school after several teachers complained of breathing difficulties and throat problems. Several staff and teachers filed workers' compensation claims, he said.

The prison, operated by the state Department of Juvenile Justice and managed by a private contractor, had been neglected for several years, Higgins said.

The current contractor, Securicor New Century, inherited many of the problems from its predecessor, Premier Behavioral Solutions.

Besides roof leaks, portions of the building where classrooms were located had mold in ceilings, walls and carpet. Last year's hurricanes made roof leaks worse.

Higgins said an air-quality assessment failed to show conclusively whether the former conditions were dangerous.

"There's some question whether the amount (of mold) would have been enough to create a health hazard," Higgins said.

"But there's no question (that) the faulty air-quality, in general, the dirty old carpets and general state of the place, it was creating breathing problems for some people."

During the past 11 weeks, while repairs were made, teachers held classes in the prison housing wing. The teaching staff was pared from 25 to eight.

Instead of the regular 300 minutes of daily instruction, inmates have been receiving 200 minutes, Higgins said.

Tuesday, the entire teaching staff was expected back on the job, returning to a full school day.
In the coming weeks, inspectors will evaluate how the reduced amount of instruction may have affected students.

Students who have fallen behind can receive additional tutoring and remedial classes, Higgins said.
 

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