The start of construction projects at J.A. Allard and J.H. Brooks elementary schools has prompted complaints, some expressed online, in the Moon Area School District.
Although work is being done after school hours, parents and teachers are complaining about the absence of ceiling panels and odd odors disrupting the science portion of the recent Pennsylvania System of School Assessment testing.
They also are unhappy that school kitchens will not serve any hot food during the final two weeks of school when workers begin converting the kitchens into warming kitchens.
The Allard and Brooks cafeterias will remain open for breakfast and lunch, but no hot food will be served. The lunch menu will offer salads, sandwiches, wraps, snack foods and other items that will be served in bags, which will contain daily surprises such as stickers, tattoos and fruit smoothies. The last day of classes is May 29.
The construction is part of the district’s reorganization to a K-2 and 3-4 grade alignment in 2015-16, with R. Hyde Elementary School closing and being converted into a education center.
Preparation work has been included in the construction schedule since the project was first approved, superintendent Curt Baker said in an April 23 letter. After-hours work is being limited to corridors.
About 100 parents and teachers at the Monday night school board meeting indicated they were concerned but most could not address the board because the policy for workshop meetings limits speakers to agenda items.
Moon Area Education Association members have been filing complaints about the odors and working conditions, said Fritz Feteke, PSEA southwestern regional advocacy coordinator.
“There are currently a number of things that are occurring at the same time affecting the education process,” he said.
Mr. Baker’s April 23 letter said work is not being rushed.
“We are following a very detailed schedule that provides minimal disruption to the learning environment while ensuring timely completion of the projects. The elementary capital improvement project is on-time and on-budget.”
A Tuesday letter from Marotta/Main Architects said all contracts have been let for work at the two schools and the schedule is being followed.
It said all construction activity during the first phase of the project from the end of April until the last day of school must take place during a second shift and will be limited to corridors, mechanical spaces and common areas not affecting instruction.
Tina Vojtko, school/community relations and grants coordinator, said it’s not unusual for construction to take place during the school year, citing ongoing projects at West Allegheny and North Hills.
Sonja Reis, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com.
First Published: May 1, 2015, 4:00 a.m.
