OAK RIDGE, N.C.—
A teacher at Oak Ridge Elementary School has joined the chorus of parents and students who claim that mold in the school is making them sick.The teacher, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he's gotten progressively sicker over the past 12 months and is now too sick to teach. He's currently being treated by a doctor for mold exposure.
"I have constant, ongoing sinus infections, fatigue, burning sore red eyes, loss of sleep," he says, listing his symptoms. "My doctor told me that I have tested positive for both the microtoxins aspergelis and penicillin that have been found within the school."
He says it's not uncommon to have 10 or 15 students in his class complaining of symptoms.
In a letter to parents, Principal Ann Kraft informed them about the specific classrooms where mold has been found under the carpet. School officials said they've spent about $600,000 addressing the mold issue. Administrators at the school declined FOX8's request for an interview today.
For some parents, the school hasn't done enough.
Marianne Wiener recently pulled her daughter out of the school because every time she went, she'd get sick.
"She had four respiratory infections, along with some that required her to be on an inhaler," she said. "I buy organic milk. I buy organic eggs. I keep them healthy. I feed them healthy, and I send them to a school that's making them sick."
Like the teacher, Wiener's daughter felt symptoms over a couple of years, but this year it's been worse than ever. Her doctor said her illnesses were caused by exposure to mold, and with a doctor's note, Wiener pulled her daughter out of school for medical leave.
Neither the teacher nor Wiener''s daughter have decided if they'll return next year.
Guilford County school officials said they plan to hold a meeting Wednesday with parents of students at Oak Ridge Elementary. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 at the school.
