Shoddy work and poor design caused mold problems at a school construction site in Neptune Township, according to a preliminary report.

The report, commissioned by the New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (SCC), which provides funding for school district projects, faulted the site?s architect, general contractor firm and site management company.

Mold is growing between the insulation and the brick façade at the new Midtown Community Elementary School on Route 33. Construction crews found the mold in mid-January. It was determined in March that part of the building must now be torn down and rebuilt as a result of the mold.

The preliminary report found the firms involved used non-specified and non-approved materials on the building. It also found materials were improperly stored and exposed to wet and hot weather at the construction site.

The SCC put all three companies on notice that they will have to repay the SCC the $5 million to $10 million it will cost to correct the problems.

The investigation into the construction and design of the school is ongoing. The SCC says the work to fix the problems will not begin until the final report is completed.

Meanwhile, students are attending classes in trailers until the new school is complete. The students have been in the trailers for nearly two years since the construction started.

Related Information:Mold mess keeps Neptune Twp. students in trailers