Media Advisory
1450 Herndon, Clovis, CA 93611-0599
(559) 327-9000; Fax (559) 327-9099
www.cusd.com


Clovis Unified is set to soon begin a major reconstruction project at Buchanan High School. The work is planned to correct leaks, water damage and mold contamination the school has experienced since it opened in 1993 and, according to reconstruction experts, will be completed by June 2004.

"The reconstruction will allow a permanent resolution to the construction problems the school has experienced. During the project, every effort will be made to minimize any inconvenience to the community caused by construction crews present on the campus," said CUSD Superintendent Dr. Terry Bradley. "As always, our first priority is for the safety of our students and staff. The reconstruction of Buchanan High School will allow the District to be absolutely sure that no present or future health risk exists," he added.

The first phase of the project will begin in late April, with preparation work for 30 portable buildings which will be moved onto the campus in an area northwest of the school's two-story classroom wings. When the 2003-04 school year begins, some students will be housed in portable classes while work is completed on buildings identified for reconstruction.

In September of 2000, the school closed for seven days after Clovis Unified received reports that the presence of mold in several buildings posed a possible health risk. Students and staff reoccupied the buildings after extensive air quality testing confirmed that the mold was fully contained within walls of the campus and posed no threat to student or staff safety. Since that time Clovis Unified has taken regular air samples in classrooms and administrative offices of the 2,500-student campus to ensure no health risk exists to occupants of the buildings.

The campus will remain open during reconstruction. Air quality safety experts will be on site throughout the mold remediation phases of reconstruction. Clovis Unified School District will maintain communication with the surrounding community throughout the project, with information packets being mailed to the media, parents and students of Garfield, Alta Sierra and Buchanan High, and neighbors of the complex by early May. Additional information will be available and periodically updated on the CUSD Web site at www.cusd.com.

Questions may be directed to the CUSD Communications Office at 327-9092.
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