EAST ORANGE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

MR. KEITH HINTON II, CHAIRPERSON

May, 2019

The HSSC met May 3, 2019. The follow up visit to Warwick was one of the best this school year! The team observed updates and a list was presented to the maintenance department for the work that could not be completed by the custodial staff. 

We have one more school visit to Louverture Elementary. If you have any HSSC issues, please e-mail head custodian and principal. Also cc the HSSC to it and I will follow up.

 Some other issues that were discussed already and updates are:                                                          

School Parking Lots

·         Mr. Mitchell stated that maintenance started filling the large potholes with crushed stone.  When the asphalt mine warms up, the holes will be filled.          

School Temperatures

·         EOCHS-The a/c is on full blast and it cannot be controlled. A company has been called and it will be worked on.

·         HVAC filters will be changed in the summer.

·         There have been complaints about the heat being turned off.  It was turned back on but when ESSIP takes over, there will be no option to turn it back on.      

Maintenance Sweep

·         These sweeps have been successful in the past.  They were stopped because the department went through so many materials.  It will begin again and will be done through the summer.

The next meeting of the HSSC will be on May 16, at 9:00 AM at the EOEA Office, followed by a walk-through of Louverture



April, 2019

The HSSC met March 14, 2019. There were some issues that the committee observed and they were added in School Dudes. I want to reiterate, if you have any school HSSC issues, please e- mail the head custodian and principal and cc the HSSC. I will follow up. Updates and other issues that were discussed are:

School Safety

·         Magnetic Strips-It was asked if these magnetic strips could be ordered for distribution district-wide.  Mr. Bender got a quote and will share pricing with the committee. Dr. West will recommend that principals order these from the school budget.

Roofing Issues

·         Carver-The library is leaking again near the windows.  Stairways B and C are leaking again. The SDA visited and are looking into a new roof. We will give more information when we receive it.

·         Bowser- will be getting the application of the special material to stop leaks next.  The prep work has already been done.  The new product is 95% effective but the temperature has to be 40 degrees or higher to apply.

·         EOCHS-The roof is leaking above the gym/coach’s office.  Quotes were received for the roof over the gym but the Board of Ed. is no longer with that company.

·         Louverture- The roof is leaking at Louverture but it is coming from the brick pointing.  Room 13 is leaking.  A quote was received. Repairs will be  completed when we have consistent nice weather.

·         STEM-Remediation has been done on the storage closet in the gym, using a new product.  A certificate has been issued stating that the mold has been removed.  In addition, the door to the closet has been changed. Any equipment that was compromised has been discarded.  (The growth was visually analyzed as mold.)

Walk-Through Binder-A punch list is generated of issues within the school.  This is given to the custodial staff to be put into School Dudes.  Dr. West explained that there is a system of checks and balances that reminds the custodians to keep the binders complete and up to date.  The custodians at Garvin do a great job keeping records and will be asked to share with others as “best practices”. This binder can be seen by staff.

New Issues/Updates

·         Banneker-A new gym floor is being installed.  There was a water penetration problem.

·         STEM-The gym floor is damaged but does not need to be replaced.  Patchwork will be done.

·         School Temperatures-We have become involved in ESSIP, an energy saving program that does an assessment in all the school.  The assessment will show us how to save money and run the schools more efficiently.  We are in phase 1, waiting to be bonded.  Some very hot schools will need to have their temperatures reduced.  The committee asked for an update about his plan to phase in air conditioners in all the schools. 

·         EOCHS- Playoff games are happening in the gym at this time.  The bleachers had bannisters but these have been removed.  Someone tripped up the steps and did not have a bannister to help stabilize. 

·         STEM- The seats that are in the auditorium were taken from another school. Those seats are padded and are too high.  The committee will check into the safety and comfort of the seats.  There will also be an assessment done on the sound system.

·         Recycling- A pilot program will start at Carver. Hopefully by next school year, we will begin district wide.

·         The follow up walk-through of Dionne Warwick will be announced at a later date due to state testing.  Have a restful and relaxing Spring Break!



March, 2019

The HSSC will meet on March 14, 2019. A walkthrough of Dionne Warwick Elementary School will follow the meeting. On February 8, 2019 we followed up with our visit to STEM Academy. Most issues seen in January were either fixed or put in school dudes. There were some new issues but they were updated also in school dudes. If you have any school issues, please e mail head custodian and principal. Also cc the HSSC to it and I will follow up.

Some other issues that were discussed already and updates:

School Dudes Update

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

·         Mr. Mitchell reported that issues within School Dudes are being addressed and the maintenance department is moving forward with repairs.

·         There was no report given from EOCHS about the completion of jobs after our visit there.

·         Most issues put into School Dudes should be addressed within 24-48 hours.  Mr. Lambkin explained that, if there is no response to an issue in School Dudes within two weeks, the principal should send an email to the maintenance department.

School Temperatures

·         Hughes-Mr. Mitchell reported that a contractor did an assessment.  Some issues were addressed.  The building management system needs work.  The contractor will be working at the building on February 15.

·         STEM-There are rooms that are too hot and ones that are too cold.  Rooms range from 42 to 90 degrees.  A new heating was put in for the wing by the auditorium.  It is now too hot.  Mr. Mitchell explained that they are trying to gain manual control.  Many rooms have the valves broken off and those rooms are too hot.  The auditorium is extremely cold.  Contractors have been called about making controls for the whole building but it is very expensive.

STEM

·         There was a leak in the boiler.  The district is in the process of getting it repaired.

·         A quote will be coming from the contractor to repair the floor properly on February 12.

A follow up walk-through of Dionne Warwick will be on April 11, 2019 and then a meeting at 1:00 PM at the Board of Education to discuss new business items.



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.