Hello Marshall Owls Family and Happy Easter Break! 
In recent weeks we have had concerns raised about possible air quality or environmental issues in Marshall High School. Although the air quality had been tested previously and all results were negative, out of an abundance of caution, I reached out to our insurance company (MUSIC) to report the concerns. MUSIC requested an environmental specialist to immediately begin and expedite a second air quality test to cover all building areas, including content items.
We are happy to report that the studies both came back negative. The report is quite lengthy (232 pages) and technical but is available for anyone to review, so it is attached. Following the report and results, the MUSIC staff and their engineer conferenced with me yesterday to make certain all our questions and concerns were answered.
Although it was not technically required, we requested (again - out of an abundance of caution) that MUSIC retain a professional cleaning crew for the area (Room 7) that had been identified in the report as having a small amount of residual soot. This request was made to assure everyone that their concerns are both important to us and also to reassure us that the building is safe for occupancy and presents no health concerns for staff and students. Arrangements for this test are being made now.
The points below are from the Gallagher Bassett specialist, Phillip Spallo, concerning the test results and the additional work completed or planned to again ensure the safety of the high school environment.
- Dr. Maher was concerned about reports of workers' comp claims raised by some Marshall staff members and contacted MUSIC for advice and assistance. Phillip Spallo requested that an environmental engineering company immediately proceed and expedite a second air quality test to cover all building areas, including content items.
- The 2nd test results were also negative and summarized that Marshall’s air quality met OSHA levels and are below the permissible levels for a safe workplace. One tape sample came back with soot with the recommendation of recleaning the boxes from that room (Room 7).
- A negative air procedure was completed the weekend of April 9 and 10th to filter all air in the building and provide additional deodorization. A professional environmental company will respond to complete the cleaning and vacuuming of the boxes that tested positive for residual soot in Room 7.
I hope this information helps to confirm that the high school air is safe. For those individuals who have suffered effects from the cleaning chemicals and/or paint and have filed a concern, Workers Comp will be in touch with you, perhaps through Ashley Christy. If you still have concerns or questions, you may contact me, Marie Bax with MUSIC at 314-800-0217, or Phillip Spallo with MUSIC/Gallagher Bassett at 314-800-0200. Thank you for your patience while we work to make sure all our MPS schools are safe!