While educating students, sometimes teachers and paraprofessionals are getting their own lessons in health and safety — ones that often go unnoticed until illness strikes.

In a new booklet called "Building Minds, Minding Buildings," the American Federation of Teachers reports on "mold, extreme temperatures, overcrowding, poor air quality, vermin infestation and other deplorable conditions in too many public schools."

The report has a substantial foundation — 1,000 school employees answered questions about the physical environment at their schools. Frank reports reveal "the mold is so bad that in one of the teachers' bathrooms, mushrooms are growing," according to a math specialist in New York.

Other passages detail dirty carpets, crumbling walls, broken ceiling tiles, lingering leaks, asbestos, mice droppings, non-functioning bathrooms and — of course — overcrowded classrooms that just invite illness. Asthma continues to be on the rise, often due to persistent exposure to air pollution and poor ventilation.

"In New York, just as in other states, facility operations funding is often the first cut when budgets are tightened," the AFT states. "The price paid for this choice is the poor conditions in many schools."

Mind the buildings

"In the world's richest nation, every child is entitled to learn in clean, well-maintained classrooms," said Antonia Cortese, AFT executive vice president. "As we try to build young minds, we also have to mind school buildings."

The AFT says it is not alone in reporting these conditions; a study required by the federal Department of Education under No Child Left Behind reached similar conclusions. It was never publicized. The AFT, however, is pressing for federal and local action.

Self-reporting is essential to taking care of health and safety problems within school buildings, said Kathleen Donahue, vice president for NYSUT, an AFT affiliate.

"If you notice you're not feeling well and are having symptoms, pay attention to your co-workers — chances are they are getting sick, too," Donahue said, urging NYSUT members to advocate for adequate funding and resources for maintenance operations in schools and to fight cuts in facilities budgets. Campus and school communities should work to be involved in facility care and upkeep, including renovation and construction.

Sometimes it's not what you see, it's what you don't see," Donahue said.

NYSUT has a task force on health and safety that works with Wendy Hord, union health and safety specialist, to help locals with building inspections and training.

AFT's recommended action:

• Passage of America's Better Classroom Act ($24.8 billion in renovation, construction);

• Passage of the 21st Century High-Performing School Facilities Act (grants for modernization and construction);

• Creation of "Learning Environment Index" under NCLB for environmental improvements.Also, state and local changes should include stronger building and systems inspection standards, clear renovation guidelines, uniform pest control and maintenance plans and increased involvement of union members in planning construction and renovation.

Check out www.aft.org/topics/building-conditions/index.htm for further information.

— Liza Frenette