Turn Back the Progress We Have Made?  

                         

 

 

 

 

     "I promise to restore chalkboards, overhead projectors, and ditto machines", writes Ben Tucker running for School Board in District 2 on his Facebook page. Sounds like going back in time. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, chalk dust is an irritant that triggers asthma, allergy attacks, coughing, wheezing, rashes and eye irritation. Allergic reactions and asthma attacks lead to increased school absences which directly affect learning.

     Even more toxic than chalk dust are the isopropanol and methanol found in the ditto solvents used in ditto machines invented in 1923 and long ago abandoned by schools. Modern Material Safety Data Sheet guidelines recommend the use of personal protective equipment during exposure to methanol.  Suit up, all you staff you use these machines. 

     Overhead projectors come with their own drawbacks. Unless securely attached, both projectors and electrical cords could present a fall hazard in busy classrooms.
 

     What other school progress would Mr. Tucker like to turn back?
 

     I, Brenda Clough, candidate for Brunswick School Board in District 2, support healthy school environments and practices for kids and staff and continuing to explore how modern technology integration supports teaching and learning.