Atlantic City, NJ School Has Asbestos: Parents, Teachers Not Told

It’s an all too familiar pattern in Atlantic City, New Jersey … whether it is the City of Atlantic City, or, the Atlantic City Public Schools system.

Both of these public entities are notorious for poor communication skills with its staff, parents and the public.

The Texas Avenue School in Atlantic City, New Jersey is an important kindergarten through 8th grade public school with a population of about 500 students.

Presently, the school is closed for the Spring break and is scheduled to re-open on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Yet, look at what is posted on every door of the school.

Parents and teachers are just now becoming aware of this through word of mouth … but, the Atlantic City Public Schools system has not communicated a single word to parents or teachers that there is an asbestos problem at the Texas Avenue school … which is both highly unprofessional and unacceptable.

Atlantic City Superintendent La’Quetta Small is currently dealing with a serious (alleged) child abuse scandal … with the Atlantic City High School Principal, Constance Days-Chapman facing multiple criminal charges from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Staff members are concerned about potential retaliation from the Small’s … as such,  they will only speak on the condition that their identities not be revealed.

Here is one communication that we have received.

We go back to school on the 10th however, couple people drove by our school and every door is posted with dangerous do not go in can cause cancer in lung issues. Asbestos is found in the building. We have not received one phone call not one email nor have the parents we are all afraid for our lives, and our health and the children's health not one administrator has sent a Robo call or email - no one - we are in the dark, said one concerned Texas Avenue School staff member.

I went to the Atlantic City Board of Education website and the Texas Avenue School section.

There is no mention whatsoever about the now posted asbestos danger.

This philosophy is posted on the Texas Avenue School web page:

The Texas Avenue School community provides a safe and nurturing environment to produce exceptionally prepared students who possess the skills to succeed in college and career paths. With that goal in mind, we promote academic excellence, creative thinking, problem solving, mutual respect, and ethical understanding.

This sounds just great.

However, La’Quetta Small and company are certainly falling short on this occasion.

Students, teachers and Texas Avenue School administrators are due back to school in just a few days. It is incumbent upon the Small administration to properly communicate to parents, students and teachers.

Here is some basic information regarding the rights of those affected by asbestos, or, other potential health contaminants in the workplace.

SOURCES: Anonymous parents, staff members and Atlantic City Public schools contacts.

NOTE: All insisted on remaining anonymous for fear of political retaliation.