Educators demand urgent action on school mold crisis

During a recent government meeting, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding the state of school facilities and the impact of budget cuts on essential staff. A passionate speaker highlighted the critical role of custodial and maintenance personnel in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for students. She emphasized that the quality of education in the United States is at risk if frontline staff are not adequately supported, stating, \"No civilian is needed, no community member is needed,\" to underscore the importance of prioritizing educational infrastructure.

The speaker urged the need for immediate testing of school facilities for mold, citing potential long-term health risks for students and staff. She pointed out that neglecting these issues could lead to costly repercussions in the future. Her remarks were a call to action for the district to ensure that adequate personnel are in place to maintain the cleanliness and safety of school buildings.

Following her, Patrick Hamas, a union representative, echoed these concerns, sharing personal experiences with mold-related health issues during his teaching career. He recounted instances where mold problems were reported but not addressed promptly, stressing the need for a systematic approach to facility maintenance and health inspections. Hamas called for a clear protocol to ensure that any health hazards are dealt with swiftly to protect the well-being of students and staff.

The meeting concluded without further comments from officials, leaving community members hopeful for a response to their pressing concerns about school safety and maintenance.