For more than a year, Howard County school officials concealed a series of architectural reports that depicted deplorable conditions at Mount Hebron High School in Ellicott City.
One of the reports obtained by The Examiner was released 13 months after it was drafted in April of last year only after a group of parents discovered its existence and filed a Maryland Public Information Act request. Parents also discovered there were two subsequent reports. The reports were not provided to the school?s planning committee, which began investigating problems last year.
School officials said it is policy not to announce or make immediately available architectural reports – even if the reports are paid by taxpayers? dollars.
“We?re frustrated that we had to uncover the report in the manner that we did,” said Cindy Ardinger, chair of the parent and teacher group, Help Mount Hebron. “And I?m frustrated that the report and other accompanying reports that outline the health, education and safety deficiencies of Mount Hebron appear still not to be addressed by several board members and the school system.”
The two other reports written in October and November 2006 were not as comprehensive as the April 2006 report, said parent Linda Dombrowski, a member of Help Mount Hebron.
The school officials said the reports are not available on the Web site but that hard copies can be obtained for review. Officials said nothing was purposely hidden from the community group but they had no explanation as to why they never informed parents of the report when it was drafted in April last year.
As to why they forced parents to file a public information request, school system spokesman Patti Caplan said, “We just like to document a request like that and for them to say exactly what they?re looking for.”
“We?re not trying to make people jump through hoops,” Caplan said.
That didn?t sit well with Ardinger?s parents? group, which was formed to address and investigate the school?s problems.
“What a shock it was to find out the school system had the report all along,” Ardinger said.
The April report outlines problems with the school, including structural deficiencies, asbestos and sewage issues, parking lot safety as well as recommending the water be tested for lead.
Principal David Brown vigorously defended the school, claiming it is safe.
Ardinger said she remains concerned on whether the issues have been addressed.
“I realize I don?t have the expertise, and I?m relying on them to make the right decisions,” she said.
Alicia Krause, 17, an upcoming senior, said there was sewage seeping from the ceiling during an exam period last fall, adding that there was at least one case where a rat was found in the cafeteria.
“It?s an issue now for younger people who have to stay here for years,” Krause said.
