YES to HEALTH, SAFETY and SECURITY

All Andover students and teachers are entitled to learn and work in a building that meets their educational needs and ensures their health, safety and security. Unfortunately, these buildings can no longer satisfy these requirements.

• Lead contamination— 11 fixtures (faucets and water bubblers) were permanently taken offline at West Elementary in 2017 due to test results identifying high levels of lead contamination.
• Sick building syndrome— 8 staff members at West Elementary complained in 2017 of respiratory problems due to dust, moisture and mold from standing water in the basement.
• Structural concerns— modular units (“pod” additions) which were intended to last for 15 years and have now been in use for 53, had to be bolted to the main structure to ensure no further separation.
• Insufficient bathrooms— 1 Kindergarten classroom shares a bathroom with 5^th graders, 1 toilet exists for 120 boys to share in the 2^nd & 3^rd grade “pod” and the BRIDGE students lack ANY private bathrooms, so students requiring assistance must use staff bathrooms.
• Vulnerable security— Both buildings lack appropriate security controls like reinforced lobbies that are, sadly, a prerequisite for 21^st century schools.
• Inaccessible spaces for students with disabilities—Shawsheen Preschool does not meet current ADA standards although many of its students have physical limitations. West Elementary’s space dedicated to OT & PT services is only accessible via stairs.
• Outdated playgrounds– West El needs more adaptive equipment for students with disabilities. Shawsheen equipment sized for older students and both playgrounds lack fencing to help define boundaries for students learning the rules of the playground.
• Lack of conference rooms impedes innovation and collaboration– West El’s ONLY teachers’ conference room houses two photocopiers, a shared refrigerator and a myriad of office supplies. The BRIDGE’s windowless conference room also serves a variety of purposes– BCBA’s office, Program Head office, and IEP meetings (during non-Covid times). Shawsheen also lacks collaborative space for its teachers.