PHILADELPHIA FEDERATION Of TEACHERS Jerry T. Jordan, President Local 3, American Federation of Teachers AFL-CID October 16, 2019 Senator Sharif Street 1621 estJefferson Street Philadelphia, PA 19121 Dear Senator/Sheet: Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to tour T.M. Peirce School on September It was evident: to all of us the scope and severity of the facilities issues at Peirce. Particularly, we highlighted the exposed, damaged asbestos in the school gym. As we discussed, the combination of several factors make this particularly dangerous: the damage to the asbestos, its total exposure, and its presence in a very high traffic and active area. The damage was initially assessed by our environmental seientist,Jer1y Roseman, on September 16m, and on September 17?, he discussed it with district of?cials. Following this initial discussion, Jerry Roseman once again discussed his recommendations with the district ollicials during a meeting on September I am attaching an e?mail with recommendations and photos that Jerry Roseman sent to the district ol?l?icials 011 October 115". To date, there has been, to our knowledge, no effort to protect the students and sta? from further exposure to the toxic conditions to which they are exposed. This is deeply concerning. As you observed during our tour, the exposed asbestos was not the only urgent issue at T.M. Peirce. Flahing lead paint abounded, and even in abatement areas, there were concerns. Feet from where children were learning, an unsealed abatement area threatened the safety of our children and staff. While facilities issues throughout T.M. Peirce and the District zue profound, there are a number of steps that must be taken to immediately address emergent situations. To that end, the PFT released on September 18"' its asbestos recommendations, to ensure that we are doing everything we can to protect our communities. I have attached a copy of our recommendations for your reference. It was ajoy to see the enthusiastic educators and students at. T.M. Peirce. But it was also, juxtaposed with the conditions in which they are expected to learn, l'1e2u'tbreaking. The students at T.M. Peirce every effort. afforded to them to ensure that they have the tools they need to succeed. Ensuring that they are not exposed to toxic asbestos fibers every day is a bare minimum. 1816 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA18103-4999 phone 215-587-6738 fax 215-665-1903 web -w Senator Sharif Street October 8, 2019 Page Two In order to ensure the safety of our young people and our members, it is incumbent upon the District to conduct an immediate investigation 01? the exposed asbestos and all of the concerns outlined in the attached e-mail. Thank you or your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, JERR . JORDAN President lla USW 10?286 All?cio ce: Dr. William Hite, Superintendent Danielle Floyd, Chief Operating Ollicer Attachments