Teacher Placed on Leave during Asbestos Investigation
An art teacher who had his students stack damaged asbestos-containing floor tiles in the corner of his room has been placed on leave until further notice.
Burningham says he’s complained to the administration about the tiles numerous times but to no avail. When the damaged tiles came loose a few weeks ago, he told the students to stack the roughly 9-inch tiles neatly in a corner.
One week later, however, Box Elder School District Superintendent Martell Menlove ordered the classroom evacuated and put Burningham on paid leave. The teacher says he was never told why he was being placed on leave.
Menlove confirmed that the investigation of Burningham was indeed connected to the asbestos, but declined to give further details. He said the district was taking steps to make the room safe.
“We’ve hired a contractor to come in and make sure the room is clear of any asbestos so we can bring the kids back in,” he said.
Communication about the asbestos problem has improved recently, Burningham told the Standard-Examiner.
“The district has contacted me, and we are talking about what it would take to get a new floor in the classroom and how to keep some of the artwork in the classroom that might have asbestos on it.”
Burningham says he is compiling a report on the incident for the school district’s review and that his students have rallied around him with intentions to defend his actions if necessary.
“I wouldn’t be a teacher if it weren’t for the students. The focus of everything we do here needs to revolve around them,” Burningham adds.