OAK RIDGE, N.C.—
The Guilford County health department and school system shut down mold-plagued Oak Ridge Elementary School for the summer, but Tuesday, the doors opened for representatives from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.The national health representatives sat down with teachers and parents who feel being inside the elementary school is making them and their kids sick.
"He has horrific nose bleeds," parent Missy Malloy told the officials. "I'm not talking trickle. I'm talking pour-out-like-Kool-Aid."
Parents first spoke out about the perceived problem to FOX8 in May. That same month, teachers concerned about mold held classes outside to protest conditions indoors.
A month later, the school closed the building, promised a thorough cleaning and asked the national experts to come and examine the building.
"I don't want this school to open. I want them to take their time. I want them to treat this school as if it was their home," said Malloy.
Federal experts walked the hallways, went inside classrooms, the cafeteria and gym, carefully examining and taking notes. School officials hope to reopen the school August 25, but won't make a final decision until they hear the experts' recommendations.
The experts are expected to make general recommendations by the end of their trip Thursday, but their final report will take weeks.
"Our goal is to make sure we do a very thorough investigation and then come up with steps to make sure we're able to proceed effectively," said Eric Becoats, the school system's chief administrative officer.
"This is where our kids spend a majority of their time, so yes, I would like to have it done in a timely manner, but it doesn't matter to me," said Malloy.
