Hardyston Elementary School in Franklin, NJ is beginning the school year shut down due to an unwelcome discovery on school grounds.
Airborne mold spores were found in two office spaces during a routine school inspection, prompting Superintendent Jarlyn Veras to announce the closure, according to NJ.com. Both Hardyston’s elementary and middle schools were closed Tuesday to give the district time to plan next steps.
The initial discovery launched a full-scale investigation into the entire building.
“In response to these findings, the district immediately scheduled an extensive remediation process of the entire school to ensure all spaces were safe for students and staff. During the remediation process, mold was found in various locations throughout the building,” Veras said in a statement.
No illnesses, injuries, or specific health impacts have been reported. The district is exercising increased caution to ensure safety and prevention.
There is no timeline as of yet, but the building is expected to be out of commission for several weeks while the mold is addressed, according to Veras, who assured that the administrative team is “working diligently to develop a thoughtful plan that causes the least disruption to our families and educational programs.”
News 12 reports that the district is now working on a plan to relocate elementary students while the building remains closed.
The closure comes at an inopportune time—right as the school year is beginning. Right now, the hope for students, staff, and parents is to quickly determine a relocation plan that minimizes educational disruption while the mold problem is dealt with.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
