Mold found in South Jersey schools forces remote learning, building changes: district
LUMBERTON, N.J. - Students at two schools in the Lumberton Township School District were uprooted Thursday after mold was found in over two dozen classrooms.
Officials say 10 classrooms at Bobby's Run Elementary School and 16 classrooms at Lumberton Middle School tested positive for mold contamination.
Superintendent Dr. Colleen Murray said the district quickly designed a plan that placed elementary school students in unaffected middle school classrooms, and pushed middle school students to remote learning.
"We designed a plan that would make sure that everyone is safe but would also make sure students get what they need which is to be in school, especially the younger grades, they really need that contact time, Murray said.
Mullica approves remediation work for unsanitary conditions in impacting police department
Leaders in Mullica Township approved remediation work to treat mold and unsanitary water that seeped into the basement of the town's municipal building that housed the police department.
Officials said they do not have a "definitive remediation date" at this time, but they intend to bring students and staff back "as soon as it's safe to do so." A letter to families shared by the district Thursday morning said parents and students should "plan for the possibility" of remote learning for two weeks.
"It was kind of on the fly, but I felt right away glad they were taking the right precautions," said PTA President Meghan Meadows, who has a child in each school. "I'm able to be home today, but even if I wasn't able to be home today, my middle schooler and I would feel safe leaving him home on his Chromebook to do his school work."
The district is planning to host an online conference that parents can attend to share more information on the planned mold remediation.