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Union warns of safety, ADA and sanitation problems at early-intervention site; district says fixes underway
Summary
Union leaders read a detailed letter alleging multiple safety and ADA problems at the early-intervention classroom space housed at the Oblates church; district officials said they are addressing issues, including installing a security system, providing radios, buying air purifiers and pursuing a playground grant.
A union representative read a letter to the Hazleton Area School District board detailing urgent health, safety and accessibility concerns at an early-intervention site now operating in shared space at the Oblates church.
Joyce Gamida, president of the Hazleton Area ESP Union, said staff reported the building is not ADA-compliant, lacks exit signage and posted evacuation plans, uses an exterior door without a commercial push bar, and has shared bathrooms that do not provide privacy or safe diaper-changing facilities. She also described mildew odors, exposed electrical cords in child areas, and a playground described as hazardous — including a cement mound she said could injure a running child.
Gamida said staff were told complaints were unwelcome and urged that the issues be investigated. "This is a school for special needs children," she said, adding that staff are "very worried about the children." She asked the board to verify licensing and compliance with any applicable agencies.
Administrators responded that the district is aware of the concerns and is taking steps. A district official said the district has been working with the priests at the Oblates to expedite installation of a security system, is arranging radios and cell boosters to improve communications, has delivered air purifiers to rooms, and is supplying furniture and other needed items. Officials said cleaning and sanitation are provided by the building's janitorial staff and that some concerns are being addressed weekly by district visits to the site. The administration also reported that the district recently received a grant to redo the playground.
Board members and administrators committed to continued on-site visits and to meeting with staff to address unresolved issues. The union representative asked for a formal investigation and clear corrective timelines; the administration said it would continue to involve site supervisors and district staff in follow-up.
The board did not vote on facility actions at the meeting but assigned follow-up steps and reported a schedule of inspections and remediation work in progress.
