Pleasant Hill Teacher Raises Safety Concerns Over Classroom Renovations Before School Year

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District Board meeting on August 13, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding classroom safety and the readiness of school facilities as the new academic year begins.

During the meeting, a music teacher from Pleasant Hill Middle School raised a grievance about a rat infestation in his classroom, which he reported back in January. Despite initial assessments and plans for remediation, the promised work was not completed, leading to ongoing safety concerns. The teacher expressed frustration over a lack of communication from the district's central office regarding the status of repairs. He emphasized that safety must be the top priority and called for better communication and adherence to grievance procedures to prevent similar issues in the future. The teacher noted that while the floors had been refinished beautifully, the off-gassing from the materials made the classroom unsafe for occupancy.

Following this, Linda Ortega, president of the Mount Diablo Education Association, addressed the board, welcoming new and returning members and acknowledging the hard work of educators in preparing for the school year. She reported on the successful orientation for new staff and highlighted the need for ongoing support for these educators. However, Ortega also pointed out that many classrooms were still incomplete, with issues such as missing ceiling tiles contributing to excessive noise levels. This situation has reportedly led to discomfort for both teachers and students, with some educators experiencing headaches and substitutes refusing to work in certain classrooms due to the noise.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the importance of ensuring that school facilities are safe and conducive to learning. As the district moves forward, addressing these concerns will be crucial for fostering a positive educational environment. The board's response to these grievances and the implementation of effective communication strategies will be closely watched by educators and parents alike as the school year progresses.