During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the ongoing work by Service Pro at Chandler Elementary School and concerns regarding communication with the custodial union. A member expressed appreciation for the improvements made by Service Pro but raised issues about the lack of prior notification to the union regarding the work being done. It was noted that while the Facilities Department had contacted the union's vice president, the union president was not informed until after the work had commenced. A meeting was held to address these concerns, and the work is expected to continue for several more weeks.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of ensuring safety protocols are followed, particularly regarding the chemicals used during the cleaning process. The Facilities Administration is overseeing the work to ensure compliance with safety standards.
In addition, the meeting addressed the topic of turf fields, particularly the new turf field at Dougherty High School. Concerns were raised about the safety of turf fields, especially in light of recent discussions around PFAS chemicals and their potential health risks. Several members expressed their discontent with the decision to install turf fields, citing safety issues and the need for environmentally friendly alternatives. The matter will be forwarded to the Financial Operations and Governance committee for further evaluation.
Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of communication between departments and unions, as well as the need for careful consideration of safety and environmental impacts in school facilities projects.