Below is the full report on the Bangs Ave. Walkthrough conducted on Thursday, July 17, 2008. A letter to all Bangs Ave. Staff members will be sent out this week with a meeting date to discuss any and all concerns.
Report on Bangs Elementary School, 1300 Bangs Ave., Asbury Park, NJ, 07712
Eileen Senn, Industrial Hygiene Consultant, NJ Work Environment Council
For the NJ Education Association and Asbury Park Education Association
July 22, 2008
Summary
At the request of the union, a joint union-management walkthrough was held July 17, 2008 at the Bangs ES in Asbury Park following a one-year shut down and asbestos abatement. The purpose was to observe where the asbestos abatement work was performed, where asbestos containing material (ACM) remains in the school, and ensure that the school is safe for re-occupancy by staff and students. The asbestos remediation appears to have been performed properly with many plaster walls being replaced with sheetrock and floors in classrooms 128, 229, 317, 327, and 333 being replaced with vinyl tile.
The school is in the process of being cleaned and painted in preparation for opening September 2. Because of how dirty and hot the school is at this time, special measures are needed to protect and assist the custodians. Overtime for custodians has been approved and a painting contractor hired to assist in getting the school ready to open.
There is every reason to think the school can successfully re-open if the custodial staff is given the time, equipment, and supplies they need and good communication with staff and parents is established.
Walkthrough Participants
John Napolitani, President, Asbury Park Education Association
John Kostecki, APEA E-Board Rep for custodial/maintenance staff
Sue Hayes Stasio, APEA PR&R Chair
Eileen Senn, Industrial Hygiene Consultant, New Jersey Work Environment Council
Lewis Griffin, Asbury Park School District, Environmental Safety Coordinator
Angelo Del Fizzo, Asbury Park School District, Buildings and Grounds Assistant Supervisor
John Smoyer, AHERA Consultants
Kathy Baumgardner, Principal
Felicia Smith, Secretary to Principal
Xavier Gibbs, Head Custodian
We were joined at points by a representative from the Board of Education and the Interim Superintendent of Schools, and perhaps others whose names I didn