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On Monday, there was an emergency closing of the K-8 Paideia School 15 in Yonkers after ceiling tiles in the building tested positive for the mold. Officials said that “out of an abundance of caution, Paideia School 15 families and faculty were notified immediately and were evacuated to nearby Annunciation School.”
For the rest of the week, students from kindergarten through fourth grade are to be relocated to the Robert C. Dodson School, while the older students had their classes at Roosevelt High School. It is not immediately clear when students or staff will be permitted to return to the building.
According to a CBS report, an expert said that the wet summer and bountiful rain led to a moisture building that encouraged the growth of the mold, with became pervasive. Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Edwin M. Quezada said that the building serves approximately 576 students and 84 faculty and administrative staff members.
Quezada said that air and bulk samples of drop ceiling tiles were conducted over the weekend after spotting was noticed on some classroom ceilings. Approximately a quarter of the samples taken tested positive for mold.
“The District is working around the clock to prepare our students for instruction at these alternative locations,” he said. “Faculty and staff will use the next 24 hours to ensure the students transition seamlessly and that the learning conditions are appropriate for the students. We will continue to communicate directly with the school’s parents on the transition and provide updates as they become available.”
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano added that, '“we have been working very closely with the District to ensure that the safety and well-being of our students remain paramount. Relocating the students while Paideia School 15 is being remediated is in the best interest of our students and staff. I commend the Board of Education and the Superintendent for acting swiftly and efficiently while dealing with this sensitive matter.”
Updates are expected to be released as progress is made in the building. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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