Parents press PGCPS for clear air-quality results and replacements after Cesar Chavez classroom fire

Parents from Cesar Chavez Dual Spanish Immersion Elementary told the Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) Operations, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee on April 22 that a weekend classroom fire is the latest in a string of safety and facilities problems and demanded clearer safety information and stronger investment.

"Our school caught on fire on Sunday," said Ian Faye, a Cesar Chavez parent, arguing the incident is "the cherry on top" of long-standing concerns and that families will continue to press the district. Several other parents described lingering smoke odors in Chromebooks, burned headphones and students who became ill after arriving at school.

"These are not abstract concerns. These are real immediate impacts on students," said Jamie Babishi, a parent, who asked the district to release detailed results of environmental testing and specify the standards and thresholds used to clear classrooms for use. Babishi also asked the district to clarify which materials will be replaced rather than cleaned and to outline contingency plans, including temporary relocation options.

Margaret Dominguez, a PTO member, said repeated incidents — including earlier electrical sparks that prompted fire drills — have left families and staff "tired" and called for partnership and capital investment to make the aging building safe. Patricia Templeton, who identified herself as a parent and medical provider, said lead had previously been found in a drinking fountain and described continuing safety deficits.

District staff acknowledged the public remarks during the facilities presentation that followed. "I want to begin just by acknowledging the public comments that we heard this evening, particularly those from the Cesar Chavez community," said Shayla Taylor Jackson, director of capital programs, adding the master plan work is meant to guide prioritization of investments across a portfolio of about 200 facilities.

Parents said they want more than general assurances. "Families have not yet received clear detailed information about what specifically was tested, what standards were used, and what thresholds determine that a classroom is safe for students," Babishi said, and she urged that facilities and environmental experts attend a parent town hall planned for Friday.

Speakers urged replacement of electronics and soft materials when those items were exposed to smoke or soot, not just cleaning. Several parents described the emotional toll on students: one parent said her child voluntarily asked to wear a mask after the incident. Timothy Meyer, an individual who has advocated for school construction funding, told the committee the fire highlights a statewide backlog in school maintenance and called for PGCPS to press state lawmakers for increased capital funding.

The committee did not take formal action on the public comments. Director Jackson and planning staff told the board they would roll public input into the Educational Facilities Master Plan process and outreach schedule, which staff said will include focus groups in spring, a website launch in summer and a county listening tour in fall 2026. The district did not provide the specific environmental test results in the meeting; parents reiterated they expect the district to share those findings and the standards used to declare classrooms safe.

Next steps: the district is organizing a parent town hall this Friday; staff said they will continue assessing facilities and incorporate community feedback into the master plan process.