Wrightsboro parents concerned about mold

Mold in Wrightsboro Elementary School has parents concerned for the health of their kids. The school held an informational session Monday night to answer their questions.

Some parents say their kids have been chronically ill; and are sure it leads back to the mold found in the ceilings of two classrooms.

“He’s had severe runny nose coughing throughout the year. It seemed like he was getting the flu just about every other week,” parent Mari Jenkins said.

Other parents are beginning to wonder as well.

“I just started him in January,” Jennifer Altman said. “I just thought it was colds here and there, and I’m hoping that’s all it is, but I’m going to start looking in to it further now.”

The school’s informational session was filled with parents frustrated by what they say is a lack of communication by the school district. At the heart of the parents’ anger: how long the problem has been around and what caused it.

“The teacher’s been out sick. She’s been trying to warn us,” Jenkins said.

The classrooms were tested for mold in September, but nothing was found. After more complaints of illness, they were tested again in January. The results came back last week revealing mold in the ceilings of two different buildings that house kindergarten and first grade classes.

“We erred on the side of caution and got them all out the day we got that report,” Assistant Superintendent Rick Holliday said. “Actually, in fact, we didn’t get the written report that day. We got a verbal report from the company.”

Monday morning first grade had class in different buildings on the campus. Kindergarten classes now go to Castle Hayne Elementary while the mold clean up takes place. It’s expected to take six to eight weeks. During that time they expect to find out what caused the mold.

Parents say they intend to stay on top of the school board’s action. They’re hoping to have another meeting, similar to the one on Monday, with the school board with a doctor or specialist on hand. The hope is that information will help parents determine if the mold is responsible for the reported illnesses and how their children can be treated. Some called for the school board to pay for both medical and emotional treatment for their kids. The board reminded parents school counselors are always available.

The board will post both the September and most recent study on the school’s website. The board is considering the parents’ request to repeatedly test the school even after the clean up is complete.