Mold Temporarily Closes Freehold Township Elementary School

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — Laura Donovan Elementary School is temporarily closed due to mold found in the classrooms, Freehold Township Schools Superintendent Neal Dickstein wrote in a letter to parents on Wednesday.

During the closure, Laura Donovan students will be relocated to other elementary schools throughout the district by grade, Dickstein said.

The school district is anticipating that these arrangements may last for several months.

While the students will be physically located at other schools, Dickstein said they'll still attend school on the regular Donovan schedule and start school as planned on Sept. 5.

"We have considered multiple options with the main goals being the safety of your children and to minimize disruption to the schedules of our families," Dickstein said.

Though repair efforts started immediately after mold was discovered, Dickstein said clean-up is taking "longer than anticipated."

According to school officials, engineers are currently on site to help determine the cause of the mold so it can be remediated. Until the issue is fully resolved, Dickstein said the school cannot open for students and staff.

"We are fortunate that we can temporarily reorganize and reallocate classrooms to ensure your children begin the new school year on time," Dickstein said. "Principals and staff at those schools look forward to giving the students and staff a warm 'Freehold Township Schools' welcome when they arrive on Sept. 5."

As the situation evolves, Dickstein said arrangements and procedures may be revised.

A Google Form has been created for families to ask questions and voice concerns.

Dickstein said the form is the fastest way for parents to receive answers to their questions and have concerns addressed. The school district plans to respond to questions as quickly as possible and create an FAQ document based on those questions.

To view the superintendent's full letter and see alternate school assignments, you can click here.