The new school year will look a bit different for students at Hardyston Elementary School after the discovery of mold in one of the buildings has prompted the district to move students to the middle school.
In a statement on the district's website, Superintendent of Schools Jarlyn Veras said air quality and mold tests conducted at the elementary school found airborne mold spores in two offices at the school. During the remediation process, mold was also found in multiple other locations in the school building.
"The health and safety of our students and staff is a top priority," Veras said.
According to the superintendent, both the elementary school and the middle school will be closed today. Veras said this is to give the district time to plan next steps. The district plans to move the elementary school students into the middle school as work to clean up the mold continues.
"Based on the extent of the work that may be required, we anticipate that students and staff may need to remain out of the elementary school building for several weeks," Veras said. "We understand that this information may cause concern for families. Our administrative team is working diligently to develop a thoughtful plan that causes the least disruption to our families and educational programs."
In a previous letter to the district, the superintendent said the school was tested for mold after reports of an odor and humidity in two office spaces in the elementary school. Veras said there is no evidence of mold in the middle school.