More than 1,000 middle school students in Saline are forced to wait to start the school year due to issues of mold and mildew.
Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report: Saline Middle School forced to delay start of school due to mold & mildew issues
The district said safety is a top priority, and cleanup began this past weekend. When I visited the school on Monday, which would have been the first day of school, crews were hard at work.
How did you navigate school delayed a couple days?" I asked parent Katie Wagner.
"With my kids, we had them volunteer this morning, Wagner said.
Wagner said she was able to take the day off work, with the middle school now expected to start on Wednesday.
I feel like they are being transparent. It means keeping our kids safe," Wagner said.
Superintendent Rachel Kowalski met me to explain what was found and when.
This has been the only thing we are working on, other than getting our students back to school," said Kowalski.
Kowalski met me to explain what was found and when.
Teachers didnt return until Wednesday last week. Our hard-working teachers. We started late Monday to get indications of mildew-looking things," Kowalski said.
I've learned similar issues were quickly addressed without delays in Milan, and in Dundee, parents were notified of similar mold-related delays at elementary and middle schools. Classes there are expected to resume on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Looking into what caused all this, the superintendent in Saline pointed to the excessive humidity and other factors.
Inside the home of a Romulus family, where Beyond the Bell Pre-K is based, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer read to kids on Wednesday and stressed support of free pre-K education.
As for the school budget in Michigan being unresolved this late, the governor says, "Im concerned about it. Schools need to get started.
Interview: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks on budget controversy Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks on budget controversy
Parent Samuel Miller emphasized to me why his son thrives from an early start, hes now 4 years old.
Im very active in his extracurriculars and education life," said Miller.
Owner of the Beyond the Bell, Michelle Cook, highlighted how her program is making a difference for kids with early support, learning and healthy meals.
She, too, hopes lawmakers on both sides can reach a deal, so more programs like hers can open up.
Its more intimate. I dont have all the testing, but we do assessments," said Cook.
On the other side of the aisle, Republican Senator Joe Bellino (R-Monroe) weighed in on sticking points such as school lunches, free pre-K, and he says giving more to students ahead of unions.
If the governor wants to get it done, call Matt Hall and leader Brinks. As a Republican with a heart, Im not against school lunches for kids in need, but why buy them for upper-middle-class people? Same with pre-K. For kids in need, I want to fund it. The best way out of poverty is education," said Sen. Bellino.
Governor Whitmer says, were engaging in conversations. We have been doing the work all summer, but its slower than it should be.
For parents like Miller, nothing comes above education. It's a concept he hopes our leaders will prioritize, one that becomes more pressing each day.
At Belleville Lake, summer brings boating, fishing and other fun activities. But talk of nuclear and other hazardous waste about a mile away from Wayne Disposal is once again heating up.
Watch the full story in the video player below: 'We have had enough.' Lawmakers oppose more hazardous waste dumping in Wayne County
I cant imagine anyone campaigning on approving taking out-of-state nuclear waste into Michigan," said Chris Donley with Michigan Against Atomic Waste.
Outside Belleville Public Library, critics of Wayne Disposal oppose taking in more hazardous waste from out of state. County, state and federal lawmakers are speaking out, saying there are eight nearby schools, senior centers and more.
We need to establish a 5-year moratorium on any expansion, giving us time to plan not just reach," said Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Twp). "To fully understand this issue, and impact on our environment and community.
We have had enough," said Executive Warren Evans with Wayne County. "Already, we have had enough. Some of us are suffering from what we already have. We ought not be thinking about increasing that pollution.
A packed room will be demanding more public comment on Sept. 18 at WCC. That's when the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) will hear more from citizens before making a final call on permit requests to grow the site. Last week, EGLE announced its intention to allow expansion of the hazardous waste disposal program in Wayne County.
Keep in mind: Wayne Disposal is already one of the largest sites of its kind in the U.S. I asked neighbors how it feels to know lawmakers are fighting against this.
"We should push back as residents," said Brittany Tabor.
"Let everybody keep their own garbage," said Gail Clearwood.
Two Senate bills aim to raise fees, cap amounts and ban new facilities. They would also require a plan unaffiliated with either political party.
Keep in mind, 4 million tons of trash have already come to Michigan.
I reached out to EGLE and Parent Company Republic Services. Their statements are below:
EGLE
"The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is committed to a transparent permitting process that keeps the public informed and involved. The posting of a draft license is the beginning of the public comment period, giving the public a chance to review and provide informed feedback for consideration before any final decision is made on issuing a license to Wayne Disposal Inc. EGLE is legally obligated to issue a permit when an applicant meets all requirements set forth in Michigan law. While we werent invited to todays press conference, we recognize that some are dissatisfied with the current process, including members of the Legislature. EGLE has worked with legislators to provide technical expertise on proposed statutory changes as well as explore alternative proposals. If lawmakers believe the permitting process should be changed, EGLE is prepared to continue to engage in that discussion; however, the responsibility for making changes ultimately rests with the Legislature."
Republic Services
"In November 2021, Wayne Disposal, Inc. (WDI) requested a vertical expansion to fill in a low spot in the existing landfill footprint following the closure of a runway at the neighboring airport, which previously limited area based on the flight path of the runway. The requested vertical expansion will not increase landfill acreage or reduce greenspace. It will bring this section of the landfill in line with other areas and help ensure we maximize available capacity to meet demand for safe and responsible waste disposal.The highly engineered landfill is designed and constructed with redundant safety controls to ensure secure disposal. Existing inspection and monitoring of leak detection, leachate, soil, surface water and ambient air are effective and will continue. We provide safe, responsible and essential waste disposal services for industries in Michigan and throughout the region. The facility is permitted and equipped to securely manage these waste streams, and operates in compliance with all regulatory requirements." Where Your Voice Matters
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