High School Gym Closure

* Re “Newfound Damage Shuts School Gym,” Dec. 10.

In response to the confusion regarding the closing of our gym, I would like to set the story straight. I was the person who called Los Angeles Unified School District maintenance to repair some loose acoustical tiles. When I was told of a possible problem with the ceiling, I notified FEMA, immediately closed the gym and canceled all permits. When the hidden damage was found, the gym was officially closed by LAUSD.

I arranged for the use of Chancellor Hall at Chatsworth High School to house our winter concert, our most pressing event before vacation. Our physical education instructors were well aware of the closure and knew which indoor facilities to use during inclement weather. Our permit holders were upset about losing the use of the gym, but every permit holder was individually called to let him / her know about the closure. Any parent who called to question the reason for the closure was honestly informed. The closure of our gym was explained, as I promised, in the January parent newsletter that was distributed Dec. 17.

The gym has been in use since the Northridge earthquake. No one had ever questioned its safety until my investigation. If I chose not to close the gym, not to inform FEMA and just forget the whole situation, that would be my idea of a cover-up. I could never allow anyone to continue to use a facility that was not safe, no matter how many problems it caused.

SCOTT M. SCHMERELSON

Schmerelson is principal at Lawrence Middle School in Chatsworth