‘What would parents say if they knew what was going on?’
(NY Post) – A Queens gym teacher who blew the whistle on a dirty fitness room has been bounced to the rubber room.
Peter Maliarakis, a P.E. teacher at William Cullen Bryant HS in Astoria, was slapped with 12 charges of incompetence and insubordination last week and ordered to sit in a student’s desk in the main office.
Among the charges, he is accused of refusing to bring his class to an assigned fitness room in September 2013.
He filed a complaint with the state Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau, alleging filthy conditions in the basement area adjacent to a bathroom that caused such a stench “students put shirts over their noses,” he said.
Inspectors found asbestos insulation “intact,” no visible mold, and chipping paint that wasn’t considered a danger.
But they said the school did not keep the room clean, sanitary and safe, citing tripping hazards, an emergency exit sign blocked from view, and food waste in lockers that caused a “putrid smell.”
“I’m being crucified for protecting kids,” said Maliarakis. “What would parents say if they knew what was going on?”
At the time, a letter from Assistant Principal Guy Yavacone insisted the fitness room was “fully cleaned and ready for class usage.” But the school has since closed it, Maliarakis said.
The DOE said it seeks to terminate Maliarakis. Officials said ”the building is safe for students and staff.”
Maliarakis, who makes $82,000 a year, has taught at Bryant for 12 years, and also coaches wrestling at Flushing high school.
http://nypost.com/2015/06/28/queens-teacher-says-school-punished-him-for-whistleblowing/
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