Air-testing teacher loses job

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Air-testing teacher loses job

McCready, Register Staff April 25, 2002

MILFORD - A special education teacher at F. Kennedy School who

performed secret air quality tests at the school was denied a new contract

by the Board of Education early Wednesday morning, sources said.

Superintendent of Schools Jo Kramer, however, maintains that concern

about secret air quality tests played no role in nonrenewal of Mindy Kalfus'

contract. Kramer did say that the school board voted 9-1 in support of the

administration's decision not to renew Kalfus' contract.

" There is no evidence to support that allegation (that secret tests played a

role in firing Kalfus), nor to question the integrity of the

administration, " Kramer said. " There is no connection or evidence of any

connection. "

Kramer also said that, because the case was heard in executive session, she

couldn't reveal reasons why administrators recommended that Kalfus' contract

not be renewed.

The school board met behind closed doors for seven hours, from Tuesday night

until 2 a.m. Wednesday.

Kalfus, who taught at Kennedy for three years, was identified as the teacher

who performed secret air quality tests for Dr. Santilli, director of

the division of allergy and immunology at St. 's Medical Center in

Bridgeport, sources said.

The secret tests played a role in the school board's decision, sources said.

Kalfus, a patient of Santilli, had experienced allergy symptoms while at the

school, sources said. Kalfus could not be reached for comment.

School board member Funaro, D-2, the lone dissenting vote on Kalfus'

contract, declined comment on the teacher's situation.

Santilli has acknowledged that a person, whom he would not name, on his

behalf tested indoor and outdoor air quality at Kennedy. Tests revealed that

six classrooms had elevated levels of mold spores, he said.

School officials discounted Santilli's tests, saying they did not authorize

him, or anyone, to test school air quality. In 2000, Santilli revealed

concerns of parents and teachers about mold at McKinley School in Fairfield,

which has been closed for more than a year.

Milford Education Association President Fahy said that he attended the

marathon closed-door meeting and was " disappointed " in the board vote.

He said he could not comment on statements made in the closed executive

session.

" The board made its decision based on the strictest interpretation of the

tenure statute, with little regard for interpretation of the circumstances, "

Fahy said.

Parent Carbone said Kalfus taught her son last year. She said she is

aware that Kalfus was a client of Santilli's and that the teacher was

outspoken about mold at the school.

Last month two teachers were allowed to transfer from Kennedy following

claims the building made them ill.

" Mindy was great with my son. She did an outstanding job, " Carbone said. " I

don't understand why a young teacher who is ambitious would not be renewed.

Are school officials targeting teachers who've complained that the building

has made them ill? "

Carbone said her son developed allergies from the school.

Kalfus is one year short of achieving tenure in the district, which is a

minimum of four years.

Since concern about mold arose in November, school officials closed off one

room, replaced ceiling tiles, cleaned, and hired a consultant to seek

further solutions.

Earlier this week, Mayor Richetelli Jr. allocated $400,000 in his

capital improvement plan to address air quality concerns at the school.

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McCready can be reached at bmccready@... , or 876-6800.

©New Haven Register 2002