Dispute Over Detroit Public Schools Boilers Heats Up — Are Students In Danger?
DETROIT (WWJ) - Representatives of a local union say boilers in the Detroit Public Schools buildings are putting students and staff in danger.
The case is headed to court after operating engineers with DPS filed a lawsuit claiming one engineer is supposed to be on staff for each school to monitor boilers — but the district has made some major cutbacks.
"DPS requested no more post of duty for 75 schools...have one engineer to take care of five schools," said Jim Arini, with Local 324. "The ordinance, and what's the standard across the city of Detroit, is that whenever a boiler's in operation they need to have a licensed boiler operator."
According to a DPS spokesperson, the district was granted a waiver by the city; and the plan — which will save $3 million a year — will not put kids and staff in danger because of nine safety features in place.
Arini maintains that the situation is unacceptable, and the financial savings isn't work the risk.
"Our real concern is that if the current controls that are being monitored do not operate, the boilers will go into an unsafe condition and potentially cause a catastrophic explosion," he said. "It's a very serious safety issue, and anybody that uses the Detroit public school buildings, and potentially some of the neighbors in the neighborhood, could be impacted by this if something catastrophic happens."