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By KALEN CHURCHER [email protected]
Wednesday, March 24, 2004     Page: 3A

LEHMAN TWP. – Lake-Lehman School District’s architect was put in the hot
seat Tuesday night as board member James Welby questioned if construction
projects are stymying the junior/senior high school fire alarm system.
   
Welby said the concern was brought up during a recent Lehman Township fire
company meeting. Though he would not reveal his source publicly, Welby said he
was told some of the school’s fire alarms do not work and some exit doors are
blocked with construction materials.
    Architect Doug Trumbower acknowledged a problem existed about five months
ago when, during a drill, fire officials found half of the alarms did not
sound. An investigation into the situation revealed “someone” flipped one of
the circuit breakers, causing the malfunction.
   
If a problem currently exists, “it would be a heck of a surprise to
everyone involved,” Trumbower said.
   
Also Tuesday, board members learned solving the lighting problem in the
high school auditorium will be easier than first anticipated. In February,
board members praised work done on the newly renovated auditorium but balked
at the lighting, which left major dark areas.
   
Trumbower said incorrect wattage in the light bulbs caused the problem.
Contractors should have installed 500-watt bulbs, he said. Instead, 300-watt
lamps were used. The majority of the problem should be corrected by next
month’s meeting. A work session will be held at 7 p.m. April 13 in the
auditorium. A regular meeting will take place at the same time and location on
April 20.
   
During the April meeting, budget projections will be given as to the costs
of implementing a swim team. Acting Superintendent Robert Roberts said he and
high school co-principal Michael Gokay have begun collecting information from
other school districts and have looked into the expense of renting pool space.
   
Kalen Churcher, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 831-7329.
   
CUTLINE:
   
FOR TIMES LEADER/AIMEE DILGER
   
School Board member James Welby, left, questions the effectiveness of the
fire alarm system Lake-Lehman High School. At right is board member Charles
Balavage.