Parents want answers after mold shuts down NJ elementary school

UNION, N.J. (PIX11) — Parents in Union, New Jersey, are looking for some sort of plan after Hannah Caldwell Elementary School was shut down last week because of mold.

Students were originally supposed to be relocated to other buildings on Wednesday, but the district made a last-minute change and held school outdoors, focused on physical activity. Thursday will also be an outdoor half-day. There is no school on Friday because of the Diwali holiday. It is unclear where students will be on Monday.

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The former head custodian of Hannah Caldwell Elementary School said he raised concerns about mold for years, but nothing was ever done.

“Most times, a district carpenter would come in and paint over, spray over with bleach and water,” said Ronald Booker, who was the head custodian of the building for 10 years.

Booker said he’s spotted mold in spots all over the school, including in the auditorium, library, several classrooms, bathrooms, and slop closets. He said he raised the issue multiple times with his supervisor to no avail. He believes the mold caused health problems for himself and others.

“In the last 18 months, [I’ve had] maybe two sinus infections, versus every 90 days when I worked here,” said Booker.

“The kids are always sick, and now we don’t know, are they sick because of normal germs from school or are they sick because of something else?” said Rosi Casilla, a mother.

Casilla was disappointed to hear the children spent Wednesday entirely outdoors. “We’re expecting for them to be getting an education and they’re just there playing, so it’s a little frustrating. We’re trying to make the best of it.”

In a letter posted to the district’s website on Sunday, Superintendent Dr. Gerry Benaquista said there will be a meeting scheduled soon for parents and staff. Parents said they have not yet received any details.

“We have just been waiting for more communication,” said Casilla.

PIX11 News reached out to Superintendent Benaquista via email for comment but has not heard back.

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