New
NEA Caucus was Launched at the 2003 NEA
Representative Assembly to Address Health
Issues in Schools
Mold, asbestos and renovation. A new caucus was launched this year to address
these and other health issues currently facing NEA members.
A trio of dedicated “mold detective” delegates
launched a healthy schools caucus to address
indoor
air quality in schools (IAQ) and other
health issues. The co-founders of the caucus,
from Oregon, Pennsylvania and Maryland, are
all active in the NEA Health Information Network’s
IAQ program and share a common goal of raising
awareness to get action so that students and
staff can breathe easier and be healthier.
While the caucus will focus heavily on promoting
IAQ, it will also address other health issues
such as nutrition and stress.
The
caucus co-founders are veteran delegates who
began developing ideas for the caucus at
past RA’s and at NEA HIN sponsored IAQ
trainings. One of the co-founders is special
education teacher, Carolyn Smith-Evans, a delegate
representing the Salem Education Association
in Oregon. After witnessing her nine year old,
chemically sensitive son experience severe migraines
from the chemicals and adhesives used in his
school’s furnishings, Carolyn took on the
issue of sick building syndrome. “It is
one thing when you are sick, but watching your
child battle with an environmentally induced
illness is another story.” Carolyn, who
now serves as a consultant for her local association,
was responsible for amending a resolution and
three legislative amendments around the issue
of IAQ at last year’s RA. “I was
overwhelmed by the support I received from other
delegates when I testified. It really showed
me how important and widespread this issue is
to our delegation.”
Maryland
delegate and caucus co-founder, Claire Turner,
became passionate about the issue of
IAQ after becoming ill while working as a speech
pathologist in her school. “I became sick
because of my school’s poor IAQ and mold
problem. I had no energy. It was hard for me
to do my job.” With the help of her local
association, the Montgomery County Education
Association, Claire took charge and permanently
changed how her school district handles these
types of problems. Experienced in passing NBIs
on health and environmental issues including
nutrition and recycling, Claire hopes the caucus
will be a voice to unite members and improve
the overall school environment. “When I
get frustrated about an issue I have to do something
and getting this caucus off the ground is what
I am doing.”
From
a local leader perspective, Pennsylvania delegate
and classroom teacher, Tom Humensky,
became an advocate for good IAQ while acting
as the local president of the Bensalem Township
Education Association. Tom, now considered an
IAQ expert in his state, was responsible for
the PSEA’s statewide endorsement of IAQ
Tools for Schools, an EPA program co-sponsored
by NEA. “I hope that the caucus gets members
talking and thinking about the effects and importance
of the indoor environment. More importantly I
hope it gets people to take action!”
If
you would like to join or learn more about
the caucus contact Jennie Young at 202-822-7481
or [email protected].