Concerned parents and residents gathered together to discuss health issues and the teachers association’s Dec. 5 meeting.
An emotional Board of Education meeting took place on Thursday, Nov. 30, in Haddonfield Memorial High School’s library. Concerned parents and residents gathered together to make a stand against health concerns arising at Central Middle school after a teacher went to the hospital, was seen and then released. In addition to health concerns, students were able to share their thoughts regarding the teachers association’s Dec. 5 meeting.
An educational aid went to the hospital for testing on Thursday, Nov. 30 after being exposed to “lingering fumes” from an adhesive.
“He’s currently at Virtua Hospital. He was seen at Urgent Care and then they sent him to get high pressure oxygen and have his blood pressure and pulse monitored. I expected that he’s probably going to be fine but I’m well aware of the long-term effects,” resident Jessica Kovach said.
In response, Rob Notely of New Road Construction explained an adhesive being used on the morning of Nov. 30 at 9:30 a.m. to adhere rain gutters attached to the school left fumes behind.
“They are not classified as a hazardous substance, but they are classified as irritates,” Notley said.
He also assured parents that students would be safe coming to school and proper procedures would take place to ensure this would not happen again.
Board President Adam Sangillo said prior to Thursday’s meeting, the board had no knowledge of the incident, but he assured those in attendance the board would be looking further into the situation in the coming days.
“In the meantime, we are going to have to ask a lot of questions,” Sangillo said.
Central School teacher Jennifer Gallogy raised concerns about exposing students to potential health hazards.
“We are putting up with drilling, hammering, shouting, but I can’t ask my parents to send their students to school for things that are this high of a risk,” Gallogy said.
Of the $30 million construction project, roughly $12.5 million worth of work has been completed as of this month, representing 41 percent of the total contract value, according to Notley.
Health concerns were not the only subject up for discussion at the meeting. The teachers association expressed its concerns and urged the board to consider their feedback on Dec.5, when contract negotiations would hopefully be settled.
“I’m kind of an insecure person because I see some of these great teachers around me and I want to be worthy of those teachers. As someone who was a graduate of our school, it’s very important to do my part to make this school the best it can be … Do your best to make us feel appreciated,” tennis coach Jeff Holman said.
After a plethora of students, teachers and residents shared their disappointment at the podium, Sangillo left his seat to stand closer to the audience and assure the teachers association that despite the challenges that have been occurring, the board has the utmost respect for the facility and staff of every school in Haddonfield.
“We all have our struggles. It’s been the best experience of my life, I have been working for 20 years and nothing compares to doing what we do here and the impact we are making … and there are going to be times that we disagree and there are going to be times where we have to say no, there are going to be times when we are delayed and we shouldn’t be, but in Haddonfield, we the board, and everyone who buys a house in Haddonfield, is blown away by the work that you guys do. And that’s just the reality,” Sangillo said.
The next Haddonfield Board of Education meeting will take place in the HMHS library on Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.
