TOWN OF NORTH PROVIDENCE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 2240 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, Rhode Island 02911, SCHOOL COMMITTEE (401) 233-1100 - FAX (401) 283-1106 - TDD (800) 745-6575 Anthony R. Marciano, Sr., Esq, Chair Gina M. Picard, M.Ed, Vice Chair Bridget L. Morisseau, M.Ed,, Superintendent Steven M. Andreozzi, Clerk Louise Seitsinger, M.Ed, Assistant Superintendent Donald J. Cataldi John J. McNamee, CPA, Director of Finance Roderick E. DaSilva Christopher B. Jones, M.Ed., Director of Special Education Ronald Tannetta, M.Ed. Stephen D. Palmieri July 11, 2017 Dear Families, Students, and Staff: Over the past few weeks, concerns regarding the environmental conditions of the North Providence School Department buildings have been expressed by several members of our community. Most recently, questions about the radon levels in the schools have been brought to my attention. As Superintendent of Schools, the health of our students, staff, and families is of the utmost importance to me. As such, one of my primary goals is to ensure that all of our school buildings are safe. ‘Working with the School Committee, Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), and environment quality experts, the North Providence School Department has reviewed the radon testing conducted by Ocean State Analytical Services {a Rhode Island Certified Radon Measurement firm) in our school department buildings in March of 2016. ‘The results of the March 2016 radon tests indicated that two rooms at Dr. Joseph A. Whelan Elementary ‘School showed radon levels above the EPA action level of 4.0 pCi/L. Following that 2016 test, Ocean State Analytical Services followed RIDOH and EPA protocol and conducted long-term testing in these areas. The results from these tests indicated that radon levels were below the EPA action threshold and did not require mitigation, Dr. Josephine Saltzman of Ocean State Analytical Services recommended that we retest radon levels in December 2018. Out of an abundance of caution, we have adjusted the timeline and have scheduled retesting for this September, over a year earlier than recommended. Last week, our facilities tearm and officials from RIDE examined the exhaust fans at Whelan Elementary School and concluded that all are working property. {tis extremely important to me that the community stay informed about the health and safety of our schools. If the long-term testing in 2016 showed radon levels above the EPA action level, notification to families and staff would have occurred immediately. | understand that while this letter provides information relative to recent concerns, memibers of our community may wish to have an opportunity to speak with the School Committee, RIDOH and RIDE officials, and me. We have included an informational update on the agenda for the next School Committee meeting on July 26, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. At this time, we will provide families, staff, and the community with the most accurate and up-to-date facts regarding our schools. We hope you are able to join us, but in the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out to me at 401-233-1100 or ‘email me at bridget morisseau@npsd.ki2.r.us. Creamer 3 Nowa Bridget >Morisseau ‘The North Providence School Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex religion, national origin, color or handicap in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Individuals with disabilities, who require assistance or special arrangements to partielpate in a program or activity sponsored by the North Providence School Department, please contact ‘superintendents office. We request that you provide a 48-hour notice so thatthe proper arrangements may be made.