EAST ORANGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

MR. KEITH HINTON II, CHAIRPERSON

February, 2019

The HSSC will meet on February 8, 2019. With a follow up walkthrough of STEM Academy, there were new issues that were observed. Most issues seen in January however were either fixed or put in school dudes. Just a reminder about school dudes work. You must notify your building principal, he notifies the head custodian, and then an assessment is done to see what the next steps are. Also if the work is not completed or you are notified within a few days, please e mail the HSSC and add it to your TALC. It is important to follow these guidelines in order to have work done RIGHT!

 Some other issues that were discussed already and updates are: 

Carver Update

Maintenance has contacted the roofing contractor again. The work done still has issues in some new area according to the maintenance department. 

School Dudes Update

It will be reported to the committee every month about the work that is being done.

Costley Update

They have a long list of problems that have not been addressed.  Ms. Greadington will give the list to Mr. Mitchell.  Mr. Mitchell says they have already done a lot of work there.

EOCHS Update

Ms. Wigfall told Mr. Hinton that all requests were completed.  This is not believed to be true when looking at the evidence around the building.

Tyson Elementary

Maintenance was in the extreme temperature rooms to assess next steps. It is in school dudes.

The next meeting of the HSSC will be on March 14, 2019 at 9:00 AM at the EOEA Office, followed by a walk-through of Dionne Warwick.

Social Media Reminder

Please be mindful of what you post on Social Media and the TIMES of your post.



January, 2019

Happy 2019!!! The HSSC will meet on January 16, 2019. We will do a walkthrough of STEM Academy.  Please e-mail khintonii@me.com with your issues monthly in order to add them to the agenda. It is important that we present these issues to the committee monthly.

Some issues that were discussed already and need to be followed up are: 

Bowser Leaks

• ·         Mr. Lambkin said the roofing contractor would be there to check the remaining issues.
• ·         In addition, the exit doors on the annex are not locking.

Carver

• ·         Mr. Lambkin has contacted the roofing contractor.
• ·         The work done still has issues in some new areas according to the maintenance department.
• ·         The city, the Board of Ed and the SDA (School Development Authority) were at Carver last week visiting the issues.

Wahlstrom

• ·         The teachers’ room is still leaking.  It is a flashing issue that is causing the leak.  The in-house carpenters used tar to repair this. 
• ·         There are also complaints that it is too hot in that building.
• ·         Mr. Lambkin will check the building management system. 
• ·         There is a law in NJ waiting to be passed that all schools must have temps between 68 and 72 in the winter months. 
  

All Schools with HVAC

• ·         Ventilation System- It was stated that filters in the ventilation system are changed every three months in schools with central air. 
• ·         Custodians should be cleaning the vents that are up high at night after most people leave.

New Issues

• ·         Security Guards- Questions were sent about security during evening activities at some schools. There is a staggered schedule at Campus High School.  Can this also be done at other schools?  It would be helpful for evening activities. The response was that other organizations that use STEM and other East Orange School District buildings, are supposed to provide their own security.
  

The next meeting of the HSSC will be on January 16, 2019 at 9:00 AM at the EOEA Office, followed by a walk-through of STEM Academy.



December, 2018

The HSSC met on November 14, 2018. After the meeting the team did a walkthrough of East Orange Campus High School. We conducted a walkthrough of wings A and B. some issues found were the use of storing certain items and certain rooms left unlocked. Some issues can be handled through the custodial staff at the school. Other, more serious issues must be put in through a work order. As stated in the last newsletter, the system in place is that the head custodian should be made aware of issues and then he follows up with a work order, then the HSSC will be made aware. 

Most roofing issues at schools are being worked on this month and during the break. I want to thank you for following protocol in telling bringing your concerns to the building head custodian and the principal. 

Due to an emergency, the follow up walkthrough to East Orange Campus had to be postponed. We will discuss a later date at the January meeting. 

The next meeting of the HSSC will be on January 12, 2019 at 9:00 AM at the EOEA Office, followed by a walk-through of STEM Academy.

Enjoy your Holiday Season and Winter Break!

 *** Members please direct building concerns to your Rep and they will channel it to me. Thanks for your anticipated cooperation.



November, 2018

The HSSC met on October 11, 2018. Before the meeting the team did a follow up walkthrough of Gordon Parks Elementary School.  Most of the issues were completed or being worked on. The system in place is that the head custodian should be made aware of issues and then he follows up with a work order. There are several schools that have leaks coming from the roof of the buildings. Mr. Mitchell and the maintenance department stated that quotes are in for repairs, but they need to wait for a dry day to assess exact location of issue(s). I will have a response by next meeting. 

Some other items/ issues that were brought to the attention of the HSSC at other schools are as follows:    

a.        The tiles that had water damage were replaced at Jackson Academy but the damage is coming back. The maintenance department will have the carpenters go to assess this situation.  There is a huge pothole in the parking lot near Lincoln Street.

b.        The state guidelines are followed when mold/mildew is suspected.  The district can remediate the issue if the area is less than 10 square feet. Anything beyond 10 square feet must be remediated by an environmental company. 

c.        Teachers cannot cover door windows regardless of the size or location.  You must be able to see inside the classroom.  Teachers cannot lock classroom doors when occupied, however unoccupied classrooms must always be locked. When you leave, make sure your room is locked.

d.        EOCHS-Teachers have been directed to lock the doors to keep out students who are arriving late.  Dr. West responded that this is not permitted.

e.        It was reported that there are 2 or 3 teachers who travel between schools and don’t have access cards to get into both/all schools.  Mr. Bailey explained that one card can be programmed to give entrance to multiple schools. The teacher should see the building administrator and then the request should be sent to the security department.  The school will be added to the card.

The next meeting of the HSSC will be on November 14, 2018 at 9:00 AM at the EOEA Office, followed by a walk-through of East Orange Campus (Wings A/B)

 *** Members please direct building concerns to your Rep and they will channel it to me. Thanks for your anticipated cooperation.



October, 2018

Great October ALL! I would like to start by stating that the HSSC was created to assist in the Health, Safety, and Security of all employees in the district. We all utilize the buildings here. When we do a visit to your school, it is for a check to ensure your wellbeing and safety.

The HSSC met on September 19, 2018. After the meeting the team did a walkthrough of Gordon Parks Elementary School.  Some of the issues were either being worked on that day or a work order has been placed. 

Some items/ issues that were brought to the attention of the HSSC are as follows:

Updates (Summer List Completion)

• ·         Mr. Mitchell reported that most of the list was completed.  The workers focused mainly on the grounds.  (All trades were pulled for this except the leads or in case of emergencies.)  A lot of the requests from School Dudes were also completed.
• ·         Carver-The roof was repaired in several places.  The workmen were coming out again today to fix the roof in Stairwell C.

Bowser Leaks

• ·         The roofing contractor was scheduled to come out today.  Mr. Mitchell will email Mr. Hinton with an update.

Air Conditioning Units

• ·         It was much too hot in the buildings on the first days of school.
• ·         Hart Complex-Longo Contracting is installing pumps.  They were waiting for parts.  Eight small units were installed to try to give some relief from the heat.
• ·         Parks will be getting a complete upgrade to their electrical system to support more air conditioners.
• ·         Hart Complex-In-Line Contractors were there today working on the HVAC system.
• ·         STEM Classrooms- Mr. Mitchell will investigate this to see if the problem has been resolved and will get back to the committee.

ID Worn by ALL Employees

• ·         There was concern by some staff members that some of the people from the Board of Ed office were coming into the buildings and not wearing their district IDs. 
• ·         Ms. McKenzie explained that new IDs are available in her office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4 pm.  Special requests can also be met.

The next meeting of the HSSC will be on November 14, 2018 at 9:00 AM at the EOEA Office, followed by a walk-through of East Orange Campus (Wings a/B)

*** Members please direct building concerns to your Rep and they will channel it to me. Thanks for your anticipated cooperation.



September, 2018

HAPPY NEW YEAR and I want to personally welcome everyone back to another exciting school year. During our last meeting in June, we discussed several updates and future plans. Air Conditioners in Schools!!! I asked a question that was raised by some of you about putting A/C units in and getting reimbursed. Dr. West emphatically said no.  “The HVAC system at STEM is in the process of being repaired.”

One key point I will be addressing at my first meeting is the statement Dr. West mentioned about phasing in window units in all schools. This is why the electrical upgrade is being done. Some schools requested air conditioners and it was found that the upgrade was needed to comply with this request.

The following is the schedule for the upcoming 2018- 2019 school visits.

·         September 19, 2018- 9:00 A.M. meeting at the EOEA office- followed by Gordon Parks walkthrough

·         October 11, 2018- 10:00 A.M. Follow up Gordon Parks visit- meeting at 1 P.M at the EOBOE

·         November 14, 2018- 9:00 A.M. meeting at the EOEA office- followed by EOCHS Wings A and B walkthrough

·         December 6, 2018-10:00 A.M. Follow up EOCHS Wings A and B visit- meeting at 1 P.M at the EOBOE

·         January 16, 2019- 9:00 A.M. meeting at EOEA office followed by STEM Academy walkthrough

·         February 8, 2018- 10:00 A.M. follow up walkthrough of STEM Academy- meeting at 1:00 P.M. at EOBOE

·         March 14, 2019- 9:00 A.M. meeting at EOEA office followed by Dionne Warwick walkthrough

·         April 11, 2019- 10:00 A.M. follow up walkthrough of Dionne Warwick - meeting at 1:00 P.M. at EOBOE

·         May 16, 2019- 9:00 A.M. meeting at EOEA office followed by Ecole Toussaint Louverture walkthrough

·         June 7, 2018- 10:00 A.M. follow up walkthrough of Ecole Toussaint Louverture - meeting at 1:00 P.M. at EOBOE

Dates are subject to change due to possible conflicts.

Please e mail me your concerns so I can bring them forward to our team.

Everyone have a safe and effective school year!

 The purpose shall be to advise the Superintendent on matters concerning the maintenance of proper standards of
health, safety, and security. The committee shall consist of four individuals appointed by the Association President and four individuals appointed by the Superintendent. The committee shall convene no fewer than five times during the year and will meet during working hours. “These people have the authority to create change,” said Greadington. “Association and district representatives partner-up and walk room by room through designated buildings with a checklist, identifying any health, safety or security issues.” It is then incumbent upon the district to address the issues discovered, she noted. At a subsequent meeting, timelines are established to address the issues discovered. Another walkthrough is scheduled to ensure that remedial work has been completed.