Early construction start at Moon elementary schools raises...

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Parents and even some school board members reached out to Channel 11 News on Wednesday to express their concerns about the start of construction at two elementary schools in Moon Township before school lets out.

“We saw some things we didn’t feel reflected the optimum safety of students and staff,” said school board member Michael Houser.

FREE APPS | NOW | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Houser was one of two school board members who shared photos with Channel 11 News that showed multiple areas of Allard and Brooks elementary schools where the ceiling had been opened, exposing wires.

“My concerns are the health and safety of our students and staff,” said Houser. “There was one staff member, a cafeteria worker, who had an asthma attack this morning, which may have been caused by dust and debris left over.”

Moon Area School District Superintendent Curt Baker gave Channel 11 a firsthand look at the ongoing construction, which he said has involved mostly ceiling tile removal so far.

Baker said that over spring break, crews removed all asbestos from the ceiling and insisted that parents should not be concerned.

“Nothing has really changed in the classroom,” he said.

The classrooms are all construction free, Baker said. However, parents told Channel 11 News that they are firmly against any construction in the school during the academic year.

“At the end of the day, my job is to make sure we provide a safe environment, and if there's anything to suggest there are issues, we will take care of them right away,” Baker said.

Baker explained that construction is only happening during the evenings and weekends, with an hour and a half each night dedicated to cleaning.

WPXI