With construction at certain schools in Haddonfield approaching completion, some residents may be curious to find out the status of the ongoing projects and what measures are being taken to assure the safety of students and staff.
With construction at certain schools in Haddonfield approaching completion, some residents may be curious to find out the status of the ongoing projects and what measures are being taken to assure the safety of students and staff.
Although schools have been under construction since June, the district projects a steady rate of completion moving forward.
According to Stephen Burns, the administrative assistant and business administrator board secretary, Elizabeth Haddon Elementary is 95 percent complete, followed by Central Elementary and Haddonfield Middle School at 80 percent. Haddonfield Memorial High School is halfway complete, with school the farthest to go, Tatem Elementary, at 30 percent complete.
In the winter of 2019, both the high school and Tatem are expected to be complete, and in April, work on Elizabeth Haddon is expected to be “substantially complete” followed by Central and the middle school by June.
According to Burns, safety is also a top priority moving forward with construction.
After an educational aide went to the hospital for testing in November, caused by exposure to “lingering fumes” from an adhesive, controversy arose at the Nov. 30 board of education meeting about the safety and protocol in regard to construction.
To ensure safety, construction fencing has been used to prohibit people from entering work zones so students and faculty are kept at a safe distance. In addition, air sampling as been consistently and periodically performed in each of the schools in Haddonfield, confirming every school has dust levels and indoor air quality is “safe and “acceptable.” The contractors are also conducting “tool box talks” on a weekly basis to resolve any safety issues that are present.
“Indoor air quality protocols are in place and have been diligently applied in order to mitigate exposure to chemicals used in construction and any resultant odors,” Burns said.
In addition to fencing and air sampling, any workers on site have gone through the proper protocols and vetting processes to work on site. All workers are required to get screened through the state and federal sex offender database systems. It is also mandatory for workers to display ID badges while they are working on site.
Although construction is moving at a steady and safe pace, challenges arise due to the age of the buildings. Some of the buildings date back to the early part of the 20th century, according to Burns. Despite the challenges that arise, the construction teams have worked together to address any challenges that have come up.
“We appreciate the cooperation of students and staff as they continue to go about the business of education while construction is occurring throughout the school district,” Burns said. “We are all working hard to overcome the day-to-day challenges and complete the project successfully.”
The next BOE meeting will take place on March 22 at 7 p.m. in the HMHS library.
