“Her ear’s ringing”

Saugus mother says her daughter is bothered by noise at the Belmonte School

  Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano wants Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree to review the concerns of a mother of a student at the Belmonte STEAM Academy who has been bothered by noise levels in certain areas at the school. “I’d like the manager to discuss it with the superintendent [School Superintendent Erin McMahon] and address it as soon as possible,” Cogliano said at Tuesday night’s meeting (Dec. 13).

  The superintendent referred the letter to the Town of Saugus because the Town has jurisdiction over school buildings. “If it’s a Town issue, it needs to be addressed. It’s something that doesn’t seem like it can be put off,” Cogliano said.

  Ashley Nichols wrote the following letter on behalf of her daughter.

  I am writing in regards to the high level of noise in the math, art, computer lab, and lunchroom. My daughter has come home several times this year complaining of headaches and her ear’s ringing. From my research it is happening on days that she had classes in one of these areas. When I picked her up today, she told me it was so bad today that the teacher couldn’t deliver her instructions. I am a former student of the Belmonte Middle School back in the 90’s so I am familiar with the noise level in the building. I have noticed during my visits to the school that tiles and ceilings have been replaced in the administrative and main office areas. I don’t understand why only a portion of the building was corrected. It seems to me that fixing the areas where the children are being taught should be the priority. The health and welfare of our children and teachers are being overlooked. I would like to be assured that we are sending our children into a building that is safe and healthy. Right now I don’t believe that we can say that with this high noise volume. I respectfully ask that you respond to assure me that this problem will be corrected.