Sisters and Brothers,
You may recall from previous messages, the Association successfully negotiated for air quality testing to be conducted as part of our MOA to reopen schools this fall. Because this testing was not completed prior to reopening, the HEA filed an unfair labor practice charge against the District for failing to gather and provide the information the Association had requested from these tests. At mediation in October, the District agreed to finally conduct the air quality tests.
Because the tests require rooms to be occupied for results to be valid, the testing which was scheduled to begin in December was delayed. The Association did not know when the testing was rescheduled for and I was only notified that testing would begin tomorrow shortly before it was announced to all staff this afternoon.
I am aware that many people are concerned about the windows being closed while these tests are performed. While the email that went out to staff indicated that the time required for the test to be performed will be “brief”, but provided only a list of which buildings would be tested and not the specific details of how the testing will be conducted.
I spoke to Dr. Marotta this evening who expressed regret for the last-minute notification and pledged to get more specific details to staff regarding how long the windows need to be closed before and during the testing as early as possible tomorrow morning as well as a schedule for when during the day people might expect their area of their building to be tested so they may plan accordingly (if available).
Dr. Marotta also assured me that the testing is performed by taking a representative sample of rooms throughout the building, and that every room will not necessarily be tested. Therefore, educators who have strong reservations against closing the windows for even a short period of time can request that their room be excluded from the sample.
As soon as I have more information on this testing I will share it with you.
In Solidarity,
Anthony
Anthony J. Parolisi
President
Haverhill Education Association