Toscolano Maderno Parents Protest School Relocation Concerns
Murmurs and protests in Toscolano Maderno regarding the relocation of elementary schools from their current premises (where renovations to the facilities and services are necessary) to the Piamarta Brothers building on the lakeside promenade (rented until the end of the year, with the possibility of contract extension).
There are 15 classes, and 250 students. “At the time of the difficult decision, many doubts and questions arose, but nothing indicated the current state of the situation,” state the parent representatives in a joint statement.
They then list the deficiencies. Point number one: “The safety ladder is missing, and it is being constructed now, posing a very serious risk of accidents for students and teachers. There is an open construction site inside, with suspended loads and noise.”
The access is single, for trucks and children. The ladder exit to the floors will be through the bathrooms, and the younger students could exit the building. In our opinion, the ongoing work is incompatible with lessons.” Moreover: “Some classrooms are significantly undersized to accommodate the expected number of students.”
The gymnasium is occupied by the town band. Additionally, for several days, the Youth Gathering Center (with the cafeteria and after-school activities, ed.) has inexplicably moved to Piamarta as well, without waiting for permission from the Circle Council.
Presidential decree 416 from July 1974 establishes the use of the structures only after school hours, not during. There are also a series of minor issues, such as chaotic transport, nauseating odors, and excessively high temperatures in the classrooms which, in the name of the emergency situation (as there are no valid alternatives), people are willing to endure.”
Parents’ and teachers’ criticisms
Parents’ conclusion: “No one has a magic wand, but we want to shake those who must decide, in order to try to mitigate the situation. Many are willing to keep their children at home until the danger ceases.” Previously, teachers also took a stance, noting that “the safety works have not yet been completed.”
The construction site’s perimeter is not isolated at all. Cars and heavy vehicles often enter, even when children are present. The gym class? It takes place in the schoolyard, affected by temperature and rainfall. The classroom housing I B is well below legal standards, to the point that the 19 students do not have enough physical space to move from their desks.”
Other complaints from teachers concern disparities in educational activities caused by schedule changes made to accommodate school bus departures; the need to supervise students beyond contracted hours; the transformation of Piamarta’s courtyard into a public space, with the possibility of unrestricted access (and what could happen in case of injuries?); the decision of the Comune to transfer the Youth Gathering Center from via Verdi to the Piamarta institute.
“This choice is not up to the administrative authority, but to the Circle Council. We believe it is not possible,” conclude the teachers, “to further reduce space for teaching or to forcibly coexist both activities in confined and inadequate environments.” Mayor Paolo Elena has asked for patience and reassurance, promising that the issues will be addressed.