Mold Found at Hannah Caldwell School; Parts of School Closed for Remediation

UNION, NJ – Mold has been discovered in and around the Hannah Caldwell Elementary School (HCES) library, said Superintendent Gerry Benaquista in a letter to the Hannah Caldwell School community on Sunday.

Benaquista said the library was immediately closed pending an investigation and testing by a Board of Education-approved contractor.  He said during the investigation, “signs of water damage and moisture at specific points throughout the immediate area of the library were also identified.”

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Following this discovery, Benaquista said, additional experts were engaged to help identify the reason for the “water intrusion” and assess the scope of work that would be needed to resolve the issues.  He said on Oct. 11 the contractor provided a report based on additional information from “industrial hygienists along with a recommendation to address the water intrusion/moisture of specific areas HCES.”

It was determined, Benaquista said, that specific areas of the school would need to be closed to allow for the remediation.  The contractor mobilized over a dozen workers who arrived early Saturday morning.

“As a result, there will be a temporary disruption to a few classrooms while we address all needed remediation,” Benaquista said.

Beginning last Monday,  classrooms 174 and 175 were temporarily moved to the gym to be divided into two classrooms.  Gym classes will now utilize the Rabkin Park field or push into the students’ classroom to provide health lessons.  Classroom 167 will temporarily relocate to the Sensory Room.  Additional substitutes will be requested to support the classrooms as well.

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“We are committed to ensuring the safety and health of our students and staff and will continue to keep you informed of the progress of this project,” added Benaquista.

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