Are schools making kids sick?

[southerncrone]

4. Yes. They are.

My classroom had water-stained/molded ceiling tiles for years, just like those in the pictures. I begged for them to be replaced, took 7 yrs! Then within 2 months they were right back w/stains & mold again. There are some heating /ac units covered in black mold! And have been for decades!

This is a bottom-line problem that is coming home to roost.

1. Many of our schools are over 35 yrs old.

2. The newer buildings were built w/o windows & w/few doors, not allowing for much fresh air flow.

3. Maintenance was seldom (or never done) on building because of lazy workers, or cost savings.

The air filters were not changed for years & years!

4. School systems are having to use valuable funds to satisfy NCLB mandates that do little to improve the educational setting. Testing companies are the benefactors....kids' health suffers.

and from my experience the biggest problem:

5. OUTSOURCING OF JANITORIAL JOBS!

A. Job was always awarded to the lowest bidder.

B. Once company was awarded job they did little oversight.

C. Janitorial supervisors "buddyed-up" (or worse) to school administrators so there was never any accountability expected.

D. Janitors did poor, half-way jobs.....if they did anything at all.
(Example: The sinks were only cleaned over the summer, or if a kid threw-up in them.)

E. Teachers ended up having to do this job, too. (See: "Why Johnny Can't Read&quot

It really is a wonder more kids don't have extremely serious health problems from spending so many hours in such unhealthy conditions most of the day. Many of us teachers had serious respiratory problems.....quite a few needing surgery.

But, we know teachers are disposable....just ask Scott Walker.
And kids don't vote, or pay taxes.