Parents Find Mold-Like Substance On Band Uniforms

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Parents Find Mold-Like Substance On Band Uniforms

Health Inspectors Investigate Case; School To Clean Rooms

Baltimore,MD

POSTED: 5:32 pm EDT August 25, 2005

UPDATED: 6:45 pm EDT August 25, 2005

http://www.thewbalchannel.com/education/4897401/detail.html

HAVRE de GRACE, Md. -- Parents found a mold-like substance inside a

Harford County school just three days before students return to

class.

WBAL-TV 11 News education reporter Tim Tooten reported health

inspectors spent Thursday at Havre de Grace High School to

investigate complaints of mold that appeared on band uniforms and

equipment.

Tooten said a mother showed up at the band room two weeks ago to

inspect uniforms at Havre de Grace. She said she saw mold and mildew

on walls, equipment cases and some uniforms stored inside a closet.

But school officials learned otherwise and said called in the health

inspectors.Story continues below ad

" We know there is a musty, mildewy mold condition. We are not sure

exactly what the substance is. We don't believe it's very

extensive, " district spokesman Don on said. " We just weren't

sure what it was. At first, my first feeling was maybe it was floor

wax. "

Gwen Walters, a parent who helps students select their band

uniforms, was one of those who found the mold. She wants to make

sure school officials move quickly to solve the problem.

" I'm very concerned because as each day has progressed, it has

literally gotten worse, " she said. " We're finding it in places that

we didn't see before, it just seems to be spreading. "

The district has since responded to the building in an effort to

clean up the situation.

" We are going remove all the uniforms, we're having them cleaned

commercially. We are going to take all the furniture and props out

of that area and clean them off site using a germicide-type

cleaner, " on said.

" We're going to make sure all the walls are clean, we want

everything spic and span before kids come back on Monday, " he added.

Tooten said inspectors are also working around the clock to complete

roof construction and the installation of a new heating and air

conditioning system at Edgewood Middle School.

Work also continues at North Harford High School, which will open a

week late due to ongoing renovations.

Both Edgewood Middle and Havre de Grace High schools plan to open as

scheduled on Monday morning. North Harford is scheduled to open on

Sept. 6.

Stay with TheWBALChannel.com and WBAL-TV 11 News for the latest

education news updates.