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Union raises safety, background‑check and subcontractor allegations at Smart Middle School project
Summary
A representative of Bricklayers Local 8 told the Davenport Community School District board that an investigation found alleged failures in background checks, an undisclosed subcontractor and workmanship concerns on the Frank L. Smart Middle School masonry project; the union said it has not received a response from the superintendent.
Jeff Hager, speaking for Bricklayers Local 8, told the Davenport Community School District board that an investigation into masonry work at Frank L. Smart Middle School uncovered “significant problems with the required background check procedures,” including cases where workers were approved with only a name and address and no Social Security number or driver’s license.
Jason Atwood, a second commenter, said the investigation identified an undisclosed subcontractor, Eunice Masonry, that was not listed in district records and alleged multiple labor and tax violations including unpaid overtime and misclassification of workers as independent contractors. Atwood said the investigation documented workmanship problems — citing examples such as bearing plates installed “3 inches out of square” and missing rebar — and urged the district to meet with the union and review the documentation.
The union representatives said they sent their findings to Superintendent TJ Snekloff (submitted Jan. 26) and had not received a district response as of the board meeting. “To date, we have not received any response,” Hager said, urging the district to follow up and to ensure that required background checks and subcontractor disclosures are being completed for work performed on school grounds.
Board members did not take formal action during the meeting. Trustees acknowledged the testimony and accepted the public comment during the open‑forum period; no staff response or investigation update was provided on the record during the meeting. The union offered to meet with district staff to present evidence and documentation.
The board’s meeting packet and future agendas were cited as the route for follow-up; the board did not schedule a specific investigative briefing during the session. The superintendent’s office did not provide an on‑the‑spot denial or comment during the public comments period.
Next steps: Bricklayers Local 8 said it will provide further documentation and requested a meeting with district officials. The district did not announce a timetable for responding publicly to the allegations at this meeting.
