CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Science experiments at Cleveland High School involving fumes have been suspended because a teacher and some students reported becoming ill, according to City Schools Director Rick Denning.

Dr. Denning told the Cleveland Board of Education Monday that he only learned of the problem last week.

“I don’t want to expose any of our teachers and students to health issues,” Mr. Denning said.

Since last year, parents, teachers and board members have been working towards a science building that would replace the science labs scattered about the high school. The rooms are not equipped, including ventilation, for 21st Century science instructions, the Science Focus Group of local industry, parents and educators have said.

“This just further underscores the need,” said board member Bill Brown.

Dr. Murl Dirksen, also a board member, pointed out, however, that it could be a year before a science building is finished and ready for occupancy. He asked Dr. Denning to seek out alternatives.

“It’s going to be a year lost and I’m concerned about that,” Mr. Dirksen said. He said, however, he understands the reason for the stop.

See Wednesday’s Chattanooga Times Free Press for complete coverage.