HACKETTSTOWN, NJ (Warren County) – Willow Grove Elementary School, located at 601 Willow Grove St, is closed after school officials were made aware of a fungus build up in the school, Superintendent of Schools David C. Mango said.
“Within the last 24 hours concerns about fungus build up due to high levels of humidity and lack of ventilation at the Willow Grove School have been brought to our attention,” Mango said.
The district has already engaged outside environmental consultants to monitor and test the air quality as well inspect the entire building, Mango said.
In addition, both the county office of education and the warren county health department have been notified and kept apprised since we became aware of the issue, Mango said.
As of Wednesday evening, there are 13 classrooms that have to be remediated and an additional 5 classrooms that require further monitoring, Mango said.
“In an abundance of caution and out of concern for the health of students and staff, effectively immediately the Willow Grove School is closed,” Mango said.
Based on the information the district receives from the outside environmental consultants it may be necessary to extend the closing of Willow Grove school into the following week. If that becomes necessary, further information will be provided by my office for alternative plans for the continuing of education for the students, Mango said.
On Thursday, September 21, all Willow Grove students are to remain home and not report to school. Staff is required to report to Hackettstown Middle School at their assigned time, Mango said.
On Friday, September 22, both Willow Grove students and staff are required to report to the Hackettstown Middle School at their normal time, Mango said.
“I thank you in advance for your cooperation and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” Mango said.
For more Northwest Jersey’s News, tune into 92.7FM, 104.7FM, 1510AM, wrnj.com or on the TuneIn app.
By: Jay Edwards Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook
