Several teachers have medical documentation that indicates
that they are suffering from symptoms related to excessive
mold growth. These symptoms include coughing, sneezing,
upper respiratory problems and sinusitis.
The CTA has brought these health concerns to the attention
of the District on several occasions. The excessive
moisture and mold growth was also documented in the
NYCOSH report. While there is acknowledgement that there
is excessive moisture and mold growth in the building,
the District has not addressed the impact of this on
the health of the staff.
The CTA urged the District to directly address the
staff's health concerns and health related questions
and it indicated that it would do so. After not meeting
with concerned staff members for months, the District
reversed it original decision and stated it would only
do so if there was an "official" request from
the building. The CTA has already informed the District
of the need to meet with staff members and therefore
is not sure why an official request has to be made.
It is disappointing that the District would take such
a stand on an issue that impacts the health of both
students and teachers. It appears that the District
is focusing on protocol as a delay tactic because they
can not remedy the problem.
The CTA is calling upon the District to fulfill its
responsibility to its staff members and directly address
their immediate health and safety concerns. The CTA
is also calling on the District to address the causes
of the health related problems that exist at OBMS.
The CTA will pursue all avenues to ensure the health
and safety of students, teachers and all staff members.
