Board hears about unsafe teacher conditions

OLD FORT — The Old Fort Board of Education heard from representatives of the Old Fort Local Education Association about potentially unsafe working conditions for Old Fort teachers at the board of education meeting Tuesday. High school teacher Amy Derodes informed the board about current teacher concerns regarding an ongoing odor issue. "We just want to be a voice for (teachers) because they have been a voice for us," Derodes said. "...We want to provide you with an overview of all of this from our perspective." She then explained that an unpleasant smell was first noticed by teachers, staff and students in the Old Fort High School in October of 2024. "Some described the odor as noxious or strong or nauseating," she reported, also saying it wasn't until the middle of November when a pipe was found to have burst under the school, causing the odor. The pipe was later fixed but staff and students continued to notice a foul odor lingering in the building. A problem was later found with a sewer pipe in December. Derodes advised that when staff and students returned from winter break on Jan. 7, the problem had still not been resolved. A grievance was filed with the district and Derodes reported meeting with Superintendent Cindy Endsley about the issue as well as ongoing heating issues that left several classrooms at 38 degrees, to ask for the air to be tested to ensure the safety of staff and students. "Our sole concern and purpose for being here tonight is to share our vantage point regarding the situation… We want to be able to tell our staff that their health and wellbeing is a priority. That all complaints about the work environment will be investigated fully and we are providing a safe environment for teaching and learning." After the meeting, maintenance supervisor Fred Davis told the Advertiser-Tribune he believes he is doing everything he can to remedy the situation. "I'll take anything anybody tells me and run with it," he said, but also said the extended timeline to fix the pipe is due to a shortage of contractors in the area willing to do the needed work. He said he has been working diligently to get the matter resolved but is limited to working at the pace of others. When the odor was found to be strongest in the office of high school guidance counselor Leighanne King, she was offered other places to work, but Davis reported King was feeling tired of moving offices all of the time. At the time of printing, no further updates have been made to resolve the issue. In other news, the board of education also heard from Davis about the ongoing heating issue who informed the board that when a new HVAC system was installed, it was installed poorly and has not been working properly. He is working to get the system fixed so it will function properly. He also claimed that when one issue was fixed, another issue was uncovered. The board then approved the following treasurer's recommendations: A report of estimated tax revenue for fiscal year 2026. Amended permanent appropriations and amended certificate of estimated resources as presented. An alternate tax budget for the Bettsville Public Library. Donations of dental products, hats and gloves and $600. The board also approved the following superintendent's recommendations: A renewed membership with the Ohio School Boards Association. An itinerary change for the class of 2025 overnight cruise trip to Nassau, Bahamas in March. A board resolution with the Ohio Schools Council to hear quotes for busses and vans with a wheelchair lift. Special Education Model Policies. Hiring several new staff members as substitute secretary and aides. Jan. 20 and Feb. 17 as no-school days and Feb 21 as a two-hour delay for students. The board then went into executive session to discuss employment of an employee or official. No action was taken. The next board meeting is 6 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Old Fort Board Office.