Parents Protest Unsafe Mold at M.S. 577 in Williamsburg

April 3, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

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WILLIAMSBURG — Parents and representatives want the Department of Education (DOE) to come up with an alternative space for their kids’ Williamsburg middle school until an unhealthy black mold infestation is squelched.

More than 50 parents and students, along with Councilmember Diana Reyna and District Leader Lincoln Restler, stood in front of M.S. 577 on Friday to demand action from DOE about the hazardous infestation.

Four teachers have fallen ill since December and 18 students reported being ill last week, all with respiratory-related symptoms. Ninety students were pulled out of school by parents last week.

After a weekend cleanup of seven classrooms by DOE, many of those returned, but parents are unsure if all of the mold has been removed.

“After two conflicting reports on M.S. 577, one released by the DOE and the other by the United Federation of Teachers, it is absolutely necessary to confirm, beyond a doubt, the safety of this facility,” said Council Member Reyna, who, along with District Leader Restler, is asking for an independent entity toassess the health risks.

By Mary Frost