Mold Forces DeKalb Students To Relocate

October 27, 2008

Murphey Candler Elementary Closed Down Last Week

CBS 46 - Atlanta,GA*

October 27, 2008

DECATUR, Ga. -- Hundreds of DeKalb County students will attend

classes Monday morning at a new school because of mold.

Murphey Candler Elementary School was shut down last Thursday so the

mold could be removed. Students will start their week at Terry Mill

Elementary.

Many parents were surprised to learn about the mold.

" We actually just came down here from Philadelphia, and they've only

been in school here for about a week, and we actually were not aware

of the situation before, " said parent Calvin .

Both of ' daughters will attend the substitute school. For some

parents, the move will mean dropping their kids off earlier than

usual to ride from Murphey Candler to Terry Mill, which is about 30

minutes away. For the family, it means they will start their

morning an hour earlier.

" They're leaving at about ten minutes to seven now, "

said. " It's an inconvenience, but when it comes to dealing with

their health, we'll take that anytime. "

The move to Terry Mill came after parents and students complained

about illnesses.

The mold is suspected of causing some of the illnesses. Repairs were

started last week on the 70-year-old building's roof.

The mold is of special concern for parent Sherry Embrack and her son.

" He's asthmatic, and I couldn't understand why he was getting sick.

He would wake up and his eyes would be closed, " Embrack said.

Other parents have complained about having to take their children to

the doctor's office several times. But now, some say things are much

better at the substitute school.

" I must say I am pleased by the air quality. You can feel the

difference, " Embrack said.

School officials said they hope to reopen Murphey Chandler after the

Christmas holiday.

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