Classes resume at NEO; mold keeps employees from helping in cleanup

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Classes resume at NEO; mold keeps employees from helping in cleanup

Joplin Globe - Joplin,MO*

http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/local_story_190135933.html

MIAMI, Okla. — Classes resumed today at Northeastern Oklahoma A & M

College after a week of cancellations due to the severe flooding of

the Neosho River.

Christen Stark, NEO's director of public relations and marketing,

said 45 students were evacuated from the campus apartment buildings

last week and school officials don't know when they will be able to

return.

" Our primary concern is the health and safety of the students now, "

Stark said. " We're not even allowing NEO employees that want to help

with the clean up to come in because of the mold concern. "

Mattresses and carpet sat in piles before the apartment doors and

Stark said school officials don't yet know the full cost of the

flood on the school of about 2,000 students.

" It's going to be very costly, " she said.

Summer school is back in session, but both teachers and their

students are concerned about the significant week lost to the

disaster. Stark said school officials have not yet decided whether

to waive the missed days of class or extend summer school.