Excessive heat a big issue for SPESD employees
By Brian D. Wilson
Santa Paula News
Published: September 18, 2009
Two union representatives in the Santa Paula Elementary School District have expressed concerns to district trustees over the recent high temperatures.
By Brian D. Wilson
Santa Paula Times
Two union representatives in the Santa Paula Elementary School District have expressed concerns to district trustees over the recent high temperatures.
Classified union President Sue Carpenter was the first too raise the issue at this months’ board meeting. She said the food services staff are finding it difficult to work in the un-air conditioned kitchens. She told trustees that during the height of the heat wave temperatures went up to 110 degrees. “It’s fortunate that no one suffered from heat stroke,” she added.
Carolyn Ishida, President of the Santa Paula Federation of Teachers also voiced concerns over the heat issue. She said it was over 90 degrees every day for the first week of school, and the same high temperatures were repeated the following week.
Ishida said they had a problem in getting water at the school sites as some rooms recorded highs of 98 degrees. “We need fans and more water,” she said. “There are ways to do it without overspending.” She said that Isbell Middle School apparently didn’t order any water because they sell it at the break times. “It’s very discriminatory that you now say you’re going to sell water.” She added that there were reports of teachers drinking bottled water from the school kitchen supplies. “If that can be verified the union will pay for the water,” Ishida told trustees. “Can we turn in receipts for teachers who bought water for their students to get through these last 10 days?’
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction Mercedes Rivera assured those present that water will be provided to the schools when needed in the future.
|
