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13 Jan: Gordon Bill To Provide Parental Notification Of Contamination At Schools Signed Into Law

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which requires prompt parental notification when hazardous materials are found on school property was signed into law this week by Governor Corzine.

“School officials have an ironclad responsibility to alert the public whenever contamination is found on their property,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “Parents, teachers and other school staff members need to have all the information that is available to help protect themselves and their families. This new law recognizes school districts’ obligations when it comes to notifying the public about hazardous waste contamination, and forces them to comply under the law with what should be considered basic common sense.”

Senator Bob Gordon, D-Bergen, listens to testimony being given to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

10 Dec: Gordon Bill To Provide Parental Notification Of Contamination At Schools Receives Final Legislative Approval

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would require prompt parental notification when hazardous materials are found on school property was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 37-0, receiving final legislative approval.

“When parents send their children to school, they expect them to receive an exceptional education in a safe and healthy environment,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “The idea that contaminated soil can be found, and that information be kept from parents is unacceptable. School districts are charged with the important task of educating our children, but they are also responsible for ensuring the safety of children during school hours. By establishing these guidelines, this bill would give parents the necessary tools to make the best decisions for the health and well-being of their children.”

08 Dec: Gordon Bill To Provide Parental Notification Of Contamination At Schools Approved In Assembly

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon which would require prompt parental notification when hazardous materials are found on school property was approved by the Assembly yesterday by a vote of 76-0.

“School officials have a responsibility to their students to provide them with not only a well-rounded education, but also a safe and healthy environment in which to learn,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “Part and parcel with that responsibility is the obligation to notify parents and staff as soon as hazardous contamination is discovered, in order to empower them to make the best decisions for themselves and their children. This bill codifies common sense and school officials’ unwritten obligation to be up front with parents and school staff about contamination on school grounds.”

11 Jun: Gordon-Bateman Bill To Provide Parental Notification Of Contamination At Schools Advances In Committee

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Bob Gordon and Christopher “Kip” Bateman, both members of the Senate Environment Committee, which would require prompt parental notification when hazardous materials are found on school property was unanimously approved by the Environment panel today.

“School officials have a moral responsibility to guarantee a safe, productive learning environment for their students,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “When hazardous, dangerous substances are found on school grounds, those officials must do everything in their power to ensure prompt, thorough notification to the parents of children who may be affected. This should be common sense, but unfortunately, there are some school bureaucrats out there that are so afraid of bad publicity that they’re willing to take an ostrich-with-its-head-stuck-in-the-contaminated-sand approach when it comes to pollution and contamination on school grounds.”

15 May: Gordon Bill To Provide Parental Notification Of Contamination At Schools Receives Committee Hearing

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon, a member of the Senate Environment Committee, which would require prompt parental notification when hazardous materials are found on school property was given a hearing by the Senate Environment Committee, with a vote to come at a later date.

“When an environmental hazard is discovered on school grounds, the school district has a responsibility to let parents know as soon as possible,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen. “This bill would codify that responsibility, and set an appropriate timetable for full disclosure of contamination to all appropriate parties. Parents and school staff need to be made aware of any potential health risks on school grounds, so they can take whatever actions are necessary to protect themselves and their kids.”