BOARDWATCH: CTU official challenges CPS on privatization of custodial services...'The survey clearly shows the conditions in the schools are deplorable. It identifies that since Aramark was awarded the contract to clean the buildings the cleanliness has declined drastically...'
Annette Rizzo speaking at the May 25, 2016 meeting of the Chicago Board of Education. Substance photo by George N. Schmidt.[Editor's Note. The following remarks were prepared for delivery to the Chicago Board of Education's May 25, 2016 meeting by Annette Rizzo, who is the coordinator for health and safety at the Chicago Teachers Union. They were provided to us by the speaker and are reprinted here as she provided them to Substance for publication. George N. Schmidt, Editor, Substance].
I am here to share with you the results of a survey the union conducted related to the lack of cleanliness in our schools.
The survey clearly shows the conditions in the schools are deplorable. It identifies that since Aramark was awarded the contract to clean the buildings the cleanliness has declined drastically in disturbing ways. It is important to note that it is agreed that the problem is not due to the performance of the custodial staff but the fact that all schools have seen a reduction in the number of custodians servicing schools.
As a result unsanitary conditions exist everywhere. A consistent complaint is a lack of cleaning supplies. There are no mops, brooms, soap and toilet paper. The teachers are using their prep and lunch time to do the cleaning themselves. This is especially prevalent in the pre-school and kindergarten rooms where you will find a lot of food and sanitary needs. A daily cleaning of these rooms should be mandatory. The unsanitary conditions have created an environment where pest control is now needed in most schools.
I was in a school early one morning where I saw milk that was dumped into a bucket left out overnight. As I passed the bathrooms the smell was so strong I thought I was passing an outhouse.
I met with Aramark to discuss a grievance appeal. I asked them to explain how they determine the number of custodians assigned to each school. I was told it was done by square footage and population. I was confused by the response because the school in question was over populated as they were waiting for an addition to be completed and I was not aware that the school shrunk. Yet the custodial staff was cut by two.
It is sad and disgraceful that our children are spending seven hours a day in filthy conditions that have become a breeding ground for diseases and infections.
We call on you the Board of Education that has jurisdiction over Aramark that you make the necessary changes so the children of CPS schools can live in the same conditions you find in your own homes.
The Board should be aware that CPS refuses to process the grievances against Aramark that CTU has filed on behalf of several schools.
