Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for October 4, 1999 Toxic Fumes Force Closing of Cairo High

The installation of a new roof at Cairo High School caused the evacuation of the building on three separate occasions--September 15th, September 17th, and September 22nd. In addition, staff and students have been exposed to an accumulation of toxic fumes beginning on September 15th (or earlier?) and continuing through September 24th--when the District FINALLY closed the building. One student was taken from CHS to Southeast Missouri Hospital by ambulance. Many staff members have sought medical treatment--including three who went to area hospitals. A multitude of others--staff and students--have suffered (and some continue to suffer) effects from prolonged exposure to fumes from toxic chemicals--including acetone, heptane, toluene, and xylene. Symptoms experienced by various staff members and students include irritation of the eyes, blurred vision, headaches, sore throat, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tightness in chest, and nose bleed.

We were assured by the Superintendent that an EPA official had determined that the fumes from the toxic chemicals would NOT cause permanent harm. However, we have NOT been able to verify this for ourselves because the name of the EPA official is being withheld from us despite repeated requests. Area doctors confirm what we as individual employees discovered in our own research--THIS IS VERY BAD STUFF AND NO ONE SHOULD HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO IT--AT ALL, much less three times in large amounts and in lesser amounts over a two-week period. The Superintendent stated in the media that the architect gave approval for use of the G200SA SUBSTRATE ADHESIVE while staff and students were present. According to the Superintendent, THE ARCHITECT ASSURED HIM THAT THE ADHESIVE WOULD EMIT NO FUMES! Well...it did...on September 15th and thereafter. So on September 15th, the District administration knew that the architect was wrong, and yet we continued in school for seven more work days!

Of the teachers who have sought medical treatment, doctors have diagnosed burned eyeballs, chemically induced asthma, chemical bronchitis, as well as aggravation of pre-existing conditions. Kim Meinke's doctor has expressed concern (in a television interview) over possible effects on her pregnancy. (We also had--at least--three pregnant students suffer the same exposure as Kim.) Charlotte Arington had to leave work at 9 a.m. on September 24th (the last day CHS was open) because of headache and difficulty breathing. Her doctor diagnosed chemical bronchitis and sent her to the hospital for tests. Unfortunately, tests showed that Charlotte needed a valve replacement and she underwent open-heart surgery last Wednesday. (Charlotte is in Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah--Room 471).

AND NOW THE AFTERMATH...

The closing of CHS has unfortunately caused a ripple effect that affects two other buildings directly. Beginning today, CJHS must share its facility with CHS. In order to make room for CHS, the 6th Grade has been forced to relocate at Bennett Elementary. This puts a burden on the staffs and students of all three buildings. The high school staff understands that this is a MAJOR INCONVENIENCE and presented other alternatives to avoid this disruption. Rather than use the CJHS building, it was suggested that CHS staff and students relocate to the Cairo Armory or the U.S. Post Office. The high school staff also offered to "bite the bullet"--CLOSE CHS ONLY until the roof was done and then make up the time missed by going an additional hour each day once CHS was reopened. These plans were rejected by the administration/Board in favor of the current plan.

(Under the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act, the Board of Education MUST BARGAIN THE IMPACT of any decision which affects the working conditions of employees--as this decision most certainly does. The Association notified the Superintendent/Board of this on September 24th--and several times since--BUT they have so far refused to do so! The Association is contacting the IEA Associate General Counsel TODAY to seek legal remedy. WHY must everything in CSD #1 always turn into a confrontation ?)

For now, all WE can do is try to make the best of a bad situation. If anyone has a concern about the changes taking place, feel free to contact Ron Newell (President, CAT) at CJHS.

BONUS II--FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE

YES...WE DO GET A BONUS AGAIN THIS YEAR! How much you say? Figure that you will get the same amount as last year--on the second check in December and the June 15th check. The District this year will receive $418,000 more that the base--down from the $463,000 of last year, but still over the $400,000 mark--which translates to a 5% raise. Since you make slightly more on the salary schedule this year, you will make slightly more in bonus money--a few dollars more. So...go ahead and order those furs, cars, houses and plan those trips to strange, exotic places. In December and June, the District will show you the money!