Prince George’sCounty PGCEA Educators’ Association, April 5, 2017 Dr. Kevin Maxwell, CEO Prince George’s County Public Schools 14201 School Lane Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 Dear Dr. Maxwell, Article 4.15 of the Negotiated Agreement between the Board of Education of Prince George’s County {PGCEA) and the Prince George’s County Educators’ Association states: “Teachers are encouraged to bring to the attention of the Principal conditions which they consider may be unsafe for students or teachers, for review and, as appropriate, for referral to the appropriate school authority. Thereafter, if the teacher Is still concerned, the teacher may request further review by the Regional Assistant Chief Executive Officer. if in a specific situation the President of PGCEA believes further consideration is appropriate, the President may request review by the Chief Executive Officer of Schools.” It is under the authority vested in this language that | bring to your attention the situation at District Heights Elementary School (DHES) for immediate action and remedy. As you are well aware, both staff and students at DHES have experienced significant health issues that appear to be attributed to environmental issues at the school. The result of these issues have been punctuated with the absences of both staff and students, which works to the detriment of the goal of ensuring all students are college and career ready. Since last week student attendance has dropped approximately 50%, with over 200 students absent today. Students and staff who are present are exposed to additional danger due to the enhanced presence of workers and their tools, along with the sentiment that is being disturbed during their work. Additionally, the health challenges beyond the remedies currently being implement may be present beyond their tenure at DHES. The children and staff deserve a healthy and safe environment. It is for these reasons we believe DHES should be relocated to another school until all test are complete, repairs are made, and a healthy environment is restored. ‘Also, PGCPS Administrative Procedure 3523 addressing Environmental Issues states: “UNUSUAL FUMES OR ORDERS: Unusual and/or irritating fumes should be reported immediately to the Building Supervisor, who will notify the Department Head or Principal. Staff and students should be temporarily relocated out of the area of concern while itis being investigated.” Based on the persistent and prolonged symptoms experienced by numerous students and staff, It is quite evident there is an irritant present at DHES that needs to be investigated. It is our opinion that your administrative procedure fully justifies our request for immediate relocation.PrinceGeorge's County PGCEA Educators’ Association ‘We respectfully ask for you to make the decision to relocate the school by Friday, April 7, 2017. Should you choose not to do so, we will file a formal complaint in accordance with the Maryland Annotated Code of Regulation, Education Article 4-205, and seek other remedies as appropriate. Sincerely, Fiche ‘Theresa Mitchell Dudley President, PGCEA ce: Dr. Monique Davis, Deputy Superintendent Warren Watts, Chief Operating Officer Mark Fossett, Associate Superintendent of Supporting Services Melissa McGuire, Assistant Superintendent Tricia Hariston, Area Instructional Director Dr. Marlow Blount-Rich, Principal K. Alexander Wallace, Schoo! Board Member, Di Dr. Segun Eubanks, Chair, Board of Education Rushern Baker, County Executive Dereck Leon Davis, Chair, County Council Shirley Kirkland, President, ACE-ASFCME Local 2250, Doris Reid, President, ASASP William Sellman, President, SEIU Local 400 PGCEA Members at District Heights ES