Willow Dale's First Day of School Threatened by Air Quality Concerns

Students excited for their first day of school at may have to wait a few more days, according to a letter sent to parents and posted on the Centennial School District's website.

The letter, signed by Centennial Superintendant Dr. Jenny Cressman, states that a two-day air quality test had been ordered for the school due to concerns about dust and other particles in the atmosphere that have been kicked up as the final phase of construction nears completion. The district needs to pass the air quality analysis in order to receive its Temporary Certificate of Occupancy and begin welcoming students into its corridors.

"We anticipate the building will receive the TCO and will pass the air quality requirements," the letter states, "but should safety concerns require us to postpone, we will communicate with each family as soon as the decision is made.  However, in the spirit of being proactive, we respectfully request that your family prepare for the possibility of childcare arrangements for Wednesday, September 7 – Friday, September 9."

Those same concerns caused the cancellation of site tours for parents and students last Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Some Willow Dale parents have taken to the Patch comments section to voice their displeasure of what they see as another mark against Centennial's credibility, following accusations of and providing for family members.

"We got a recorded voicemail at 8:30pm last night," posted Michelle Hazlett. "So if the kids don't start school until next week, what happens to those 3 days. Do they have to make them up? Not our fault the school wasn't ready. I am sure that yet again it will be the kids that suffer!"

"This school district is out of control," wrote Nicole Pries. "I just don't understand how long it can possibly take this has been going on for over a year and it's not even done yet!"

A special administrative transition community meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Log College Middle School. School board member Mark Miller confirmed that Dr. Cressman and Willow Dale's would be present, but did not know if any other board members would attend.

Willow Dale began its renovations last year as part of a large district-wide construction project that will condense the six elementary schools into three larger facilities. Construction on the new Davis Elementary is underway and still scheduled to open in September 2012 despite early delays caused by . The new McDonald Elementary will begin construction in the very near future, with its opening targeted for September 2013.