Hillsborough School District Responds To Teacher Concerns

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The Hillsborough School District issued a statement on Monday night addressing concerns and photos released by the Hillsborough Education Association about what they claim are unsafe conditions at the school buildings.

While the school district the school year in virtual mode, the HEA is contending it is unsafe for staff or students to return to school for in-person, hybrid learning on Sept. 29 due to these conditions.

"The District maintains... that all nine schools meet the minimum standards defined in The Road Back guidelines developed by the New Jersey Department of Education. The District Restart Committee collectively worked over 2,000 hours to ensure a safe reopening for our students and staff. The Department of Education approved the District Restart Plan and while anything may happen between now and Sept. 29, the District looks forward to continuing with the successful reopening that is very much underway. We will continue to work toward solutions to any issues or problems that arise and seek to do so collaboratively when possible to do so," said Michael Callahan, spokesman for the Hillsborough School District.

The HEA released on Friday their list of concerns to the public which included roof repairs, mold, rainwater running down classroom walls, stained/moldy ceiling tiles, and continued HVAC concerns. Read More: Mold, HVAC Issues Raise Concerns At Hillsborough Schools: Photos

The Hillsborough Board of Education held its first in-person meeting on Monday night with members spread six-feet apart throughout the room.

Dr. Antunes noted at the meeting that she and other board members have been visiting the school buildings periodically to ensure they will be ready to open on Sept. 29.

During her superintendent's report, Antunes noted that work approved under the $35.4 million referendum last December is underway and almost completed. Read More: Hillsborough Says Yes To $35.4M School Referendum

"We have continued referendum work that is nearing substantial completion," Antunes said. "Remember we had always had the plan to have the work start and have a substantial portion completed into the fall for phase 1 and then phase 2 would begin next summer."

This work includes some of the issues the HEA has listed including roof repairs, asphalt paving, and sidewalk and curb replacement to the Hillsborough Middle School. To view all of the work included under the referendum in the district click here.

Antunes noted the district is continuing to work towards reopening the schools on Sept. 29 to in-person, hybrid learning.

"While so many things may occur between now and then we continue to move toward welcoming people back," Antunes said. "We have all witnessed or personally experienced the evolution of this situation. It is one that we know will continue to change in the weeks to months."

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