Jan. 24, 2008 07:46 PM
The Tempe Union High School District superintendent, members of the City Council, parents and students voiced concerns Thursday night about the air quality at Corona del Sol High School.

Superintendent Steve Adolph updated the council at its meeting Thursday regarding the district's request for millions of dollars from the state for repairs at Corona.

An administrative hearing is scheduled for Friday morning in which the district will ask a judge to decide whether the state School Facilities Board this past summer incorrectly denied the district's attempts to get emergency funding for repairs at the school, where students, faculty and staff have expressed concerns about the indoor air quality for years.
 
 
The council gave Adolph a letter supporting the funding request to take to the hearing.

Councilwoman Barb Carter, a retired Corona teacher, asked Adolph if it was true that there was only one chiller working at the school. Adolph said that was true.

Carter asked if it was true that there wasn't funding available for up to a year to pay for a second chiller. Adolph said that was true.

"We're not living in a third world country," Carter responded. "This is ridiculous."

Councilwoman Onnie Shekerjian said she has three children who have attended Corona, including one who goes there now. She chastised the School Facilities Board for its decision.

Studies the district paid for show that the air could "exacerbate existing problems" such as breathing issues or a tendency to get colds, said Linda Littell, a Tempe district spokeswoman.

The district estimates repairs would cost $17 million to fix malfunctioning ventilation equipment, mold and high carbon dioxide levels.
The issue has struck a nerve with families at the school as well. Several were present in support of the district at Thursday's City Council meeting.
Student Lauren Miller, 17, attended the meeting with her mom Sandy.

"I go to Corona. We came to support the school," Lauren said. "The standards are disgusting. Today we had to go outside because it was so hot in the classroom."
Sandy Miller said she also has another daughter that attends Corona.
"To think they have to attend a school where the air quality is below standards is horrific," she said. "And to think that the state is not funding such an emergency issue is deplorable." issue is deplorable."
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0124tr-councilcorona.html